Rayan Cherki: Europe’s Creative Wizard – Why Man City Are Circling
If anyone needed a reminder of Rayan Cherki’s brilliance, his electric debut for France’s senior team offered a loud clear statement. With just under 30 minutes to play and France trailing Spain 5–1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-final, Cherki entered the pitch and nearly rewrote the script of the match.
Thrown into what seemed like a hopeless situation, the Lyon playmaker immediately set the game alight. His stunning volley from the edge of the area beat Unai Simón all ends up, and minutes later he carved in from the left to whip in a perfect cross for Randal Kolo Muani, trimming the deficit to one after Dani Vivian’s earlier own goal.
In the space of 27 minutes, Cherki became only the third French player this century to both score and assist on his international debut, joining Marvin Martin and Louis Saha in that elite club. He also created three chances, outdone only by starters Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé who had four each.
Though France couldn’t pull off a complete comeback, Cherki’s brief spell on the pitch reminded everyone why Europe’s elite clubs, Manchester City chief among them, are chasing his signature.
This international breakthrough caps off a sensational season for Cherki, who has been a creative machine for Lyon. Across Europe’s top five leagues, only Bruno Fernandes with 158 and Raphinha with 152 generated more chances in all competitions than Cherki’s 125. When it comes to open play chances, his 100 was bettered only by Fernandes with 120, Raphinha with 105, and Mohamed Salah with 104.
But here’s the catch: while his rivals played at least 50 games each, Cherki featured in just 44. On a per 90 basis, no player in Europe’s top five leagues who played at least 1,600 minutes was more productive. Cherki averaged 3.7 chances per 90 in total and 2.9 from open play.
That’s not just impressive. It’s elite. It is no wonder Manchester City are watching closely. Cherki doesn’t just play the game. He bends it to his will.
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