Real Madrid: 3 things you need to know about transfer target Rayan Cherki

2. Rayan Cherki has a mature and versatile playing style for his age

Rayan Cherki is an attacker that is what Lyon refers to him as. His profile may list him as an attacking midfielder but he is capable of filling in any missing piece in the attack. He can operate on the flanks, upfront as a striking option, or even play behind the Centre-Forward as a creative influence or almost as a False-9. However, he is indeed most effective as an attacking midfielder.

Lyon has one of the best academies in France. And, Rayan Cherki’s range of abilities only further substantiates their attention to detail in player development. He has lightning-fast quick feet and some sickest dribbling abilities. He is a play-maker with a high footballing IQ which makes him sense opportunities well. He has great vision coupled with handy passing abilities, everything adding up for a great eye for goal.

Cherki has already drawn comparisons with academy graduates like Hatem Ben Arfa and even Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema. The only weak link in his play is his defensive game. He does a decent job chipping in as an attacking midfielder but there is a lot of scope for development with his physicality and height still growing to their maximum potential. His breakout season was the 2019/20 season where he made 27 appearances in Ligue 1 which included 5 starts. He led the way with 0.52 goal contributions per 90 minutes, per FBref.