Zinedine Zidane Praises Rayan Cherki After France Victory Over Turkey
Zinedine Zidane praised Rayan Cherki’s technical ability and off-the-ball movement following France’s victory over Turkey in the Nations League. The match marked Zidane’s debut as the head coach of the French national team, where he described the Manchester City creative midfielder as a “true crack” and expressed a wish that he could have played alongside Cherki during his own professional career.
Zidane’s Assessment of Rayan Cherki’s Performance
Following the triumph against Turkey, Zinedine Zidane highlighted Cherki’s specific contributions to the French attack. The manager specifically noted Cherki’s ability to execute “incredible passes” and his intelligence in positioning when not in possession of the ball. According to Bola na Rede, Zidane stated, “I would have loved to play with a player like Rayan Cherki when I was still a player… He is a crack, a true crack.”
Rayan Cherki’s Transition to Manchester City
Cherki joined Manchester City from Lyon, where he previously played under Paulo Fonseca, in a transfer valued at 36.5 million euros. Now in his third season with the English club, the left-footed playmaker has already recorded four goals and two assists. His integration into the City squad followed a breakout 2025/26 campaign where he established himself as a core offensive threat, contributing 10 goals and 15 assists across 52 appearances.
Player Impact and Statistical Breakdown
Cherki’s role as a creative engine is reflected in his productivity both at the club level and his recent emergence in the national team. The following data outlines his output during his primary breakthrough period at Manchester City:
- Appearances: 52 matches
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 15
- Transfer Fee: €36.5 million
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