Hello there, I am a Lyon supporter. Just signed in to share some insight about Cherki as I could read the usual concerns about him, which are, to be frank, quite unfounded.
The main problem with Cherki comes from the fact that he had been announced as the next big thing very early on. When he was 14 years old, he played against players sometimes 3 to 4 years older than him, and he would still bossing them on the pitch, the gulf in talent being immense. He attracted interest from the biggest teams of the time, notably Real Madrid, which forced the then owner, Aulas, to give him a big contract as soon as legally authorized (the day of his 16th birthday) with the promise to be included to the first team. That's how he made his debut with the pros so young... and he rapidly showed how good he was during a cup tie in Nantes in which he scored 2 goals and delivered 2 assists.
But it was somehow too easy too fast. This game remained his best professional performance for years. Skipping the usual learning path for young players didn't teach him how to not rely solely on his technical skills on the pitch. He lacked that sense of team work and the constant commitment to find the most efficient solution even if it is not a flashy one. He is a baller, he loves it so this was what he was doing week in week out, showboating. But he was quickly found out. He could take on anyone but would be easily tracked back as he was always going to make the one touch too much. The quality was obvious but the end product barely existant. And as he is no natural sprinter and never had to prove himself on the dirty work, the combo made him look lazy and arrogant.
The negotiations for contract renewals have always been tight ones. The club couldn't afford to let him go for free, and his entourage used it as a leverage to get insane wages in regard of his actual contribution. Two years ago, in the midst of a very bumpy transition at the club, he changed his agents to be represented by the Mbappé family. Those are the people the new owner, Textor, referred to in very derogatory terms. Cherki now ditched (hopefully) the Mbappés, and I have no doubt the transfer will not be complicated.
But overall, he is a good character, very grounded, with a good education from his family. I very often sees that he is from Northern African heritage, which is true on his mother side (Algeria). But his father is from Italian ascent, and he played a very important part in Cherki's career. Rayan is quick-witted and sharp-tongue, and quite a leader for his young age. He sometimes appears very irritable on the pitch, but he seems a good teammate, he was very active for the send-offs of club legends Lopes and Lacazette.
This said, in all honesty, last year at the same period, I was certain his career would be a very disappointing one considering his natural talent. Even if he was only 20 years old, the fact that he had been around for 4 years without real consistency and long-term improvements in his decision making, I came to the conclusion he'd never sort things out. How wrong I was! What he did this season is really impressive, not only talent wise, but mentally. For him to be able to focus and be as sharp and as fit as possible despite all the pressure and the burden of the child star syndrome he suffered from, it is really remarkable. He's not only a great ball player but has strong mental resources. This point makes me confident that he is ready for the challenge in a top club in a top league.
He will have to learn to have less time on the ball, it might take a little time, but he will do it. In all honesty, I reckon that Guardiola would be a good and patient coach to let him settle in the Premier League.
www.theguardian.com
