Cherki NOT special, insists Lyon boss after wonderkid has a hand in EIGHT goals in one game

Robin Bairner

• 20 Oct 2023 17:44 BST
• 3 min read

Rayan Cherki has been told that he is not special by Lyon head coach Fabio Grosso, despite starring for France U21 against Cyprus earlier this week.

Cherki’s performance for Thierry Henry’s side in a 9-0 victory on Tuesday was devastating as he scored twice, directly assisted three more and had a hand in another three goals as Les Bleuets completed a demolition job.

But while the 20-year-old, who has been linked to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid, shines at international level, he is having a harder time convincing Grosso that he is worth a place in Lyon’s starting XI.

Cherki, who has been dubbed an heir to Zinedine Zidane, was surprisingly axed by the Italian 2006 World Cup winner in his first match against Brest, was replaced early in a loss against Brest and then benched once more in a 3-3 draw prior to the international break.

MORE: How Rayan Cherki has become Lyon's biggest problem

It is a decision that has come under scrutiny, particularly after the youngster, who has 11 goals and six assists in 18 appearances for the U21s, shone in midweek.

“He's not a special player, he's a player like any other. Everyone has their own qualities, they must improve their tactical and physical qualities,” Grosso said prior to Lyon’s match with Clermont in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

“There are players who I use even less. We know his qualities, we always talk about the same thing. He is a player with extraordinary potential, I hope he turns it into reality. He has destiny in his hands, he has been given incredible qualities, but he can still progress to express his potential.”

Newcastle linked with Cherki

Newcastle are the latest Premier League club linked with a potential move for the flair-packed winger, who has played eight Ligue 1 games without a goal or an assist so far this season.

Cherki, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €11.2 million, could well find himself the centre of more significant speculation in the weeks ahead if his relationship with Grosso remains uneasy.

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