Lake admits he's been won over by Cherki in his first season with City.
He told the club's website: "Rayan Cherki is one of those players who can excite the whole stadium.
"Even the opposing fans have to take a step back and applaud some of the things he’s done.
"There is a swagger to his game which is unnerving, and it’s fair to say that he can back it up.
"The variety to his game, the impact he makes, and the fact that he’s still improving and learning is such a mouth-watering prospect for all City fans.
"I’m sure that for this season, and for more seasons to come, Cherki will be a talking point.
"He’ll be the player that we’ll turn to for that X factor when we need something pulling out of the bag to win games. That’s what he’s got in abundance.
"And I’m also convinced that he’ll be one of the superstars of the upcoming World Cup with France."