Nowadays, footballers are seen as robots and system players. But now and again, you find players who catch your eye and make you think you’re watching an artist at work. In steps Rayan Cherki.
A 20-year-old Frenchman who has impressed with Lyon in Ligue 1. From a young age, the talented midfielder has been spoken about, with Rayan Cherki drawing a comparison to Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema at 17. Lyon are currently in the midst of a financial struggle, as a result, they must sell players. Reports suggest the Frenchman is one of the players that Lyon would be willing to listen to offers for due to his value.
I will tell you what makes this young man so good and which clubs, if not most, should target the talented teenager.
Cherki’s strengths
Dribbling
Rayan Cherki dribbles like a typical North African player, with close control and small touches. The Lyon trickster resembles Eden Hazard when he drives at defenders with his trickery. This silkiness isn’t just for show. The trickster is in the 99 percentile for successful take-ons and the 98 percentile for progressive carries. Cherki’s dribbling makes him a fantastic ball carrier, which would suit any side looking to play on the counter-attack.
Flexible positionally
Having a player who can play in multiple positions is massive, as they can fill in when others are injured. Lyon did not have a recognised right winger, so the talented youngster filled in and performed at a high level there.
The Frenchman can play as a midfielder, winger, or false nine. The tricky youngster does better when he receives the ball into his feet, where he can take it on the half-turn and drive at defences.
Cherki isn’t the quickest as a winger, but he makes up for this with his raw ability. The 20-year-old weaves in and out quite often, making defenders look foolish. His lack of pace may be one reason he isn’t a winger in the future, but there is doubt that the Frenchman is dangerous out wide.
As a 10, the Frenchman shares some similarities to Bayern Munich prospect Jamal Mussiala. Like the German, the Lyon man can receive the ball, produce a run, or show his skill in tight spaces. The young man can jinx past defenders with his tricky feet and avoid challenges, which, in turn, opens up more space for his teammates ahead of him.
One excellent example is when Lyon played Marseille in Ligue 1. The ball was fizzed into Cherki around the penalty area. His touch took him past one, and while the defender slid in, the Frenchman completed a roulette, which left the defender on the ground. The Lyon man’s effort was saved, with teammate Maxence Caqueret scoring the rebound. Despite not scoring, the reason that goal came was his brilliance.
Ambidextrous
The 20-year-old is one of the most two-footed players in football. He can dribble, shoot, and pass with his right or left foot. The Frenchman is comfortable with both feet, and a player like this can be unpredictable for the opposition. When you combine this with the youngster’s already incredible ability, then you have some formula.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe youngster is not afraid to go in either direction when taking on players, often leading to defenders lunging in. No matter how hard these players try, they can’t get near the trickster, whether the ball is on his left or right. As previously mentioned, the youngster’s ambidexterity helps with his positional flexibility. Being two-footed means he can play on either wing, and the youngster can cut in on either foot and go on the outside.
Where should he play?
Barcelona
The one destination where players who have that special something thrive and the one place where the Frenchman could make his name is Barcelona. While Barca’s midfielder is already full, there is a spot on the left where Cherki could fit. Given the young squad that the Culers are trying to build with the likes of Pedri and Gavi already there, the Frenchman could fit perfectly.
Arsenal
The Gunners are building a talented young squad with Saka, Martinelli, Ødegaard etc. On the right, the Frenchman could compete with Saka; however, I feel he would be better served off the left. Cherki could provide cover initially, with him eventually becoming a starter. Arsenal are a side that keeps possession and plays football on the front foot. This would suit the Lyon man perfectly, and playing with Ødegaard and Saka would improve him as a player, which is a scary thought.
PSG
Staying in France may not be the worst option, considering the rebuild that is going on with France’s number one club. The Lyon man could slot in the 10 positions playing behind the striker. PSG does not have a recognised forward right now, so it remains to be seen who the Parisiens target is. Cherki could build a good understanding with fellow Frenchman Ousmane Dembele. PSG’s main attack, Kylian Mbappe, has left for Real Madrid so that PSG will need reinforcements. The Parisians are said to be trying to get back to their roots by trying to sign young French players. As a result, someone like the Lyon youngster could be perfect.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe sky is the limit for this talented Frenchman. The word generational is used often in football but applies here. If Rayan Cherki can maximise his potential, we could be looking at the most talented footballer in the world.