Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki is an attacking midfielder currently playing for Ligue 1 club Lyon, and the 19-year-old has captured the interest of Premier League club Chelsea during the 2022/23 transfer window after a number of impressive performances in the French top flight last season.

As of writing in July 2023, Cherki has already appeared for Lyon 83 times in Ligue 1,  with a healthy return of 5 goals. Last season was Cherki's breakout campaign, and he played in a total of 34 domestic league games. 

Cherki has appeared for the French national team at every youth level, but is elligble to play for Italy or Algeria as well as France. It is understood that Algeria have been busy trying to persuade the forward to confirm his intentions to respresent them at international level.

Cherki is a versatile attacker, comfortable playing as an attacking central midfielder or on either wing. His preferred position is in the middle of the park, but as a junior he was deployed primarily as a right winger.

Cherki is described as a wonderkid in his home country, with an ability to create something out of nothing and for many watchers has already demonstrated that he could go on to be a world class talent. Cherki possesses an abundance of natural ability and for many is the best player ot have come through Lyon's youth academy.

The player can comfortably use either feet, and tends to move to the flanks during a game even if deployed centrally. Cherki is consistently one of the best passers of the ball in France, with incredible range of passing, whether short or long. A gifted youngster who also can be efficient from set pieces, the player likes to be involved creatively but also can help out defensively if needed. 

Speed is perhaps not Cherki's sweet spot, but he has an abundance of stamina and is relatively hard working for such a young talent. 

Cherki is a name to keep a very close eye out for, and he is sure to be on the radar of numerous top teams if he continues to keep up his good form for club.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING

Potential Ability: 49/50

Current Ability: 40/50