Rayan Cherki convinces in the Premier League. Arriving in England from Olympique Lyonnais last summer, the playmaker had a very interesting first year: 9 goals and 10 assists in 38 matches in all competitions. And this, even though he is not always a starter in the eyes of Pep Guardiola.
Often criticized for his reading of the game and certain aspects of his attitude, particularly during his time in Lyon, Cherki was keen to respond. “Mostly unfair ones were given to me. They didn’t do it half-heartedly with me. (…) He takes you down and, when you are up, doesn’t talk about you anymore because he can no longer say anything. It makes me love it”he confides in a long interview given to
France Football.
The attacking midfielder also returned to the criticism that has accompanied him since his debut. “At 15, people made up stories about me, they criticized me because I raised my arms on the pitch, because I did one dribble too many… But where were all these people at 15-16 years old? Who doesn’t make mistakes? »he defends himself.
“Unsuitable”, “Annoying”
The French international fully embraces his style of play.
““Unsuitable”, that one, never seen before. “Annoying”, normal, my game wants that. If I don’t try, people will say: “Ah there, he’s playing simple, it’s not him.” If you try: “Ah there, he’s doing too much.” (…) “Future wasted talent.” This all makes me laugh. Those who stick these labels don’t know how hard everyday life is, how you work. In my place, many would have thrown in the towel a long time ago”he continues.
At only 22 years old, the Lyonnais trained at OL today seems to have reached a milestone in England to the point of now aiming for the summit of world football with the Blues. Verdict next June.
