Cherki impresses Zidane, the former Lyon player shines at camp

In the locker room of the first international gathering of Zinédine Zidane's tenure, Rayan Cherki stands out on several occasions, decisive on the pitch and appreciated by the staff. His energy creates a striking contrast with the usual tension of a first training camp.

A New Box-to-Box Midfield Position

Repositioned to a box-to-box midfield role, the former Lyon player has not lost his playmaker DNA. This adaptation shows that his creativity remains intact, even when he operates deeper.

Martin Terrier, who knew him from his early days at Lyon, states that Cherki has everything to become a world reference. According to him, the young player already possesses the qualities required to shine on the international stage.

Terrier recalls the time when Cherki, then sixteen years old, “felt like he was twenty‑five.” He describes the young Bayer Leverkusen player as authentic, fresh and able to talk to everyone as if they were friends.

The Frenchman also assures that Cherki has never shown disrespect or a bad attitude. “I love watching him play, Rayan. He’s a magician, real football,” he emphasizes, adding that the player remains instinctive while football becomes increasingly programmed.

Terrier remembers a League Cup match where Rudi Garcia had placed him on the left, with Cherki as number 10 and Amine Gouiri as number 9. He admits he has never taken so much pleasure, describing the performance as exceptional.