Decisive or involved in the four matches he has played since his return, Rayan Cherki is on a good dynamic. When he shows this face, the OL player is more than indispensable despite his shortcomings.
It has almost become a chestnut tree and each season, the Lyon supporter begins to dream that this time, it is the right one. We’re not going to lie, the current dynamic makes us wonder if 2024-2025 will ultimately not be the year of the explosion or rather of confirmation. He is only 21 years old and yet Rayan Cherki has the past of an old man with his professional debut at only 16 years old. Five years at the top level represents a lot and at the same time so little, because a decade still lies ahead of the player. It still has to succeed in putting in all the right ingredients to last over time. The last transfer window showed it. Despite his undeniable talent, Rayan Cherki has not yet managed to skip this departure stage, while Gusto, Lukeba and Barcola did so by arriving later than him among the pros at OL.
Two passes and three clear chances created in Glasgow
There is no point in running and yet, the question is always whether the Lyonnais’ career will live up to the expectations of recent years. To this question, Rangers supporters would necessarily answer positively. There are also several who praised him around the Ibrox Stadium when the enclosure had regained its calm. It must be said that the Lyon number 18 delivered a small recital in the historic den of Glasgow, under the eyes of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United legend fell under the spell of Karim Benzema fifteen years ago, he must have appreciated Cherki on Thursday evening.
For his six European meetings at the age of 21, the Lyonnais showed all colors to the Scottish defense. Certainly, positioned on the right side of the attack, he is far from having bitten the line as Ernest Nuamah could do. Above all, he sought to offer a solution by realigning his course, thus bringing a surplus to the heart of the game. This is also how he twice served Malick Fofana for two goals. Two penetrations into the surface, while fixing before serving his Belgian partner on trays.
Decisive fifteen times under Sage, while being far from being a starter
It seems simple on paper, but terribly effective. This is not to displease Pierre Sage who insists that it is in simple things that OL will find salvation. “In the offensive phase, Rayan went inside while Ainsley occupied the right piston position. This placed Rayan in a comfortable position where he performed well. He was able to hurt the opponent without endangering our team .” Back in the OL group since his contract extension on September 21, Rayan Cherki has only played four games since the start of the season. However, he is one of the most decisive Lyonnais.
Scorer against Marseille and theOlympiakoshe was involved in Fofana’s goal in Toulouse before scoring a double assist on Thursday in Glasgow. However, far from being a holder in Pierre’s mind SageCherki has been decisive on 15 occasions since the coach took charge of the team eleven months ago. Only Alexandre Lacazette does better. By being simple and efficient, by thinking of the team before himself, he is clearly the X factor of this group. But is his position on the right in a 4-3-3 or in the center in a 4-2-3-1? Both, my captain, would we be close to answering. The two systems clearly do not exploit the same principles, even if they seem close on paper.
On the right, his best position to help OL?
In a leading role, it is clearly a line of four attacking players who are taking shape with the fear of an undernumber in the midfield for the midfielders. On the one hand, Cherki has the ability to return and can take full advantage of his ambidextrous side to set the opposing defense on fire. When Nuamah or Benrahma on their wrong foot are predictable, the 18 Lyonnais brings this element of uncertainty. However, the imbalance shifts to the side, as we saw against the Rangers.
Maitland-Niles was a bit left to his own devices, although the nine actions noted suggest otherwise. But, this was especially seen after the break. Rock Sage is aware of this and seems ready to take the risk, while waiting for an evolution in Cherki’s defensive mentality. “There are points to review regarding his way of defending, but these are details that he will have to resolve. He also spoke about it in his post-match interviews. When a player is aware of his difficulties , it is easier to correct them.”
We have kept repeating it for months and years: only consistency will allow Cherki to go from fallen hope to European football sensation. For four matches, he has succeeded, but the hardest part is yet to come. Confirm when you know you’re even more expected. But seeing Cherki play like he did in Glasgow, you can’t help but think that this kid has gold in his feet.
