The first shocking outing of Rayan Cherki with the Blues

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By: Manu Tournoux

Called for the first time in his career with the French team, Rayan Cherki did not miss his debut. Replacing at the kick-off of this shock against Spain, as part of the semi-finals of the League of Nations, the Lyonnais nevertheless experienced a nightmarish evening. From the bench, the 21-year-old Franco-Algerian observed, in fact, his teammates take water in the face of a realistic Roja. Entering during the second period (63rd) when his team was led 4 goals to 1, the French genius was finally going to ring the awakening of the Blues.

A golazo and a assist to launch his adventure with the Blues

A few moments after a new realization of Lamine Yamal, author of a double and more than ever in the race to win the next Ballon d'Or, Cherki thus offered himself a first flash in the tricolor jersey. Served by Kylian Mbappé at the entrance to the surface, the Lyonnais controlled and continued with a splendid resumption of the volley, leaving Simon de marble (5-2, 79th). Involved on the third goal by shifting Malo Gusto on the right side, the French neo-international is still unlocked at the end of the match. From a center perfectly placed on the head of Randal Kolo Muani, Cherki offered the Blues an exciting end of the match.

Unfortunately for him, the Blues failed a small goal and will therefore challenge Germany this Sunday at 3 p.m. for the third place match. A frustrating defeat which should not however make us forget the first impressive appearance of the crack of 1m77 (30 minutes disputed, 100% successful passes, 26 touched balloons, 3 key passes, two large opportunities created, a goal, a decisive pass). Author of a fantastic first goal – at the same time becoming the 100th scorer in the history of the Blues – Cherki shone, whether by the pass or his ability to eliminate. A performance logically praised by his coach at the final whistle.

Deschamps appreciated

“Rayan, yes there are statistics … He has his qualities of creativity, he puts a superb goal, he is there for that too, there are a lot of offensive players, it's not going to be obvious to make them play all. There are those who start, those who come from the bench and make the difference coming from the bench, it is important. The four in front have starting positions, but it is not frozen, we must keep this freedom ”Sobrely declared Deschamps at the microphone of TF1 before giving way to the principal concerned. “It was a complicated evening, I don't think we deserved. They were better than us in their highlights, when we see the statistics, it is one of the best matches we do, we noticed it in the locker room, we must be stronger in our highlights. I am happy, even if I would have preferred that we score this fifth goal to ignite the stadium ”first launched Cherki before returning to his great first.

“I am not the type to apprehend a meeting, I knew that I was going to have a lot of space when I got home, I had to work to deliver the situation, give good balls to my partners. After the individual plan, we don't care this evening, we are disappointed with the collective result “. Relaunched on his role as number 10 when he got into play, the one who is closer to Manchester City also entrusted his preference for this position. “Number 10 is a position that I like a lot, it is open and even when it is closed, I try to open space, to see what nobody sees, it is my role”. Finally recognizing that the Roja had this part of chance while doing what“We should have done knowing how to put pawns in our highlights”Rayan Cherki concluded his intervention by evoking the future …

First in selection with a clear lens: “We are going to look for victories and pleasure, I'm here to help partners, I'm here to give you pleasure and give pleasure to my partners, it's the most important”. Before reacting to recent information sending the OL player on the Manchester City side. However, a destination that the interested party did not want to fully confirm: “Yes it takes shape, you know my answer, there is a match, all you have to do is wait, we have to win this match and after that we'll see”. One thing is certain, for his first with the Blues, Rayan Cherki made a very strong impression.