City midfielder Rayan Cherki appears to have made an immediate impression on Zinedine Zidane during the new France manager’s first international camp.
Cherki was named in Zidane’s first squad and has now been given an encouraging role on the training pitch as France prepare for four Nations League fixtures.
Zidane impressed by City’ Cherki
According to City Exclusives, Zidane told Cherki after training:
“Well done, Rayan. That’s how you play the game.”
The quote has not been independently confirmed, but reports from France provide further evidence that Cherki has caught Zidane’s eye. L’Equipe reported that the City midfielder was used alongside Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Da Cunha in a midfield three during Tuesday’s session. That trio featured in the first of two teams tested by Zidane as he worked with a 4-3-3 formation.
Cherki’s talent has also been the subject of discussion back in England. The Times’ Game podcast asked this week whether he is the most talented player in the Premier League, as well as discussing City’s attacking options alongside Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo.
The 23-year-old is already established in the France squad rather than being one of Zidane’s five new call-ups. Those places went to Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul.
France begin Zidane’s reign away to Turkey on Friday before facing Belgium three days later. Games against Italy and Belgium follow in October.
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