After exploding at Olympique Lyonnais, Rayan Cherki left his training club to join Manchester City, where he gradually won his place in Pep Guardiola’s game plan (13 matches, 4 goals, 4 assists). A new status which allowed him to be called up by Didier Deschamps for the French team. But despite an impressive debut during his first selection against Spain, with a goal and an assist, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder produced more mixed performances during the November rally.
Enough to stir up far too early criticism from certain consultants, like the former French coach Raymond Domenech. On The L’Équipe channelthe latter gave his blunt opinion on the situation of Rayan Cherki, whom he does not imagine at the 2026 World Cup with the Blues. “He doesn’t stand a chance.” Akliouche, Olise and Nkunku are his competitors. A place in the squad for the World Cup? Ah, but I don’t believe it! »he said. Difficult to say more than six months before the competition.
