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BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'One of Europe's best technicians' - why Man City want 'genius' Cherki
If the casual football fan wasn't already familiar with the name Rayan Cherki, they certainly are Thursday night, videos of his incredible goal during France's 5-4 defeat by Spain in the Uefa Nations League semi-final went controlling a bobbling pass and setting himself up in one touch, the 21-year-old rifled a hip-height volley on the swivel past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon at full stretch. You just don't see instinctive goals like that very often, certainly not from a player 15 minutes into his senior international is one of the most sought after talents in world football right now and could soon be heading to the Premier League as Manchester City want the Lyon midfielder as part of their summer squad player will soon enter the final year of his contract, but Lyon have reportedly rejected City's opening offer of 30m euros (£25.3m)., externalBut who exactly is Cherki, and why is everyone so excited about him? 'An absolute master, a wizard with the ball' - who is the magical Frenchman Cherki is only the latest talent fresh off the Lyon production line, but may be the best joined Lyon at the age of seven from AS Saint-Priest and, aged 16 years and 140 days, Cherki became the youngest goalscorer in the Ligue 1 side's history in a French Cup tie back in January that in November 2019, a Champions League debut came against Zenit, while he also helped France reach the quarter-finals of the European Under-21 Championships in 2023. Previously linked with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, in 2020 he admitted to Lyon TV "my dream is to play for Real Madrid".His footballing idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, can play as a winger but his preference is a more central number 10 has just enjoyed a break-out campaign in Ligue 1, providing 11 assists, 22 big chances - the most in the league - 13 through-balls and 48 successful dribbles. A return of 12 goals in all competitions is by far the best of his short career, but it is his work and understanding of the game off the ball that has arguably improved the most this football expert Julien Laurens, speaking on the Euro Leagues podcast, said: "He has been incredible this season. Since he was 16 - even before that - the talent is there, left foot or right foot."A player at this level who takes corners with each foot depending on which side of the corner it is, to be an inswinger every time is just incredible."He is one of the greatest technicians in Europe right now."The stats support Cherki's ambipedal qualities. Of the 44 shots he took with his feet in Ligue 1 last season, 22 came with the left and 22 with the growing reputation was only enhanced by Thursday's stunning international debut on Thursday against Spain, where he sparked France's comeback from 5-1 days later he made his full international debut as Les Bleus beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League third-place certainly isn't Cherki's only legend Thierry Henry has previously said he has "never seen a player in history who dribbles as quickly as him", while Lyon's captain Alexandre Lacazette described him as "special".The former Arsenal striker added: "This season, he has managed to raise his level. I would put [Mesut] Ozil in a different category but, with time, Rayan can get close to him."Cherki, also part of the France squad that finished runners-up at the 2024 Olympics, scored in both legs for Lyon against Manchester United in a Europa League quarter-final defeat last to BBC Sport in April about him, Lyon's former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles said: "He is the best natural talent I've ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball."He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them - he is a genius." How would Cherki fit in? Pep Guardiola wants to have Cherki in his squad next season, but how would he fit in at Manchester City?The Premier League club have wasted no time in strengthening after enduring their worst campaign since Guardiola took charge nine years ago.A £46.3m deal has been agreed with AC Milan for Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, while a £31m move for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri will be completed Reijnders capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Cherki would likely play in an advanced role just behind Erling traditionally prefers his midfielders to keep the ball and be patient rather than play in a direct, transitional style. However, he now has a Kevin de Bruyne-shaped hole to fill following the Belgian's could also be deployed on the right wing, with wide players Jeremy Doku and Savinho struggling for consistency last season and Jack Grealish open to leaving the an exciting time for a player who may, in the space of seven days, go from making his international debut to joining one of the world's best said, he clearly isn't getting ahead of himself."It's getting done," said Cherki on the transfer situation after his cameo against Spain. "But you already know my answer, everybody knows."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: Two quickfire goals have Spain 2-0 up on France in UEFA Nations League clash
Spain and France are competing to face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, and right now, it is La Roja that are favourites to reach the showpiece event after scoring twice in quick succession in the first half of their semi-final clash in Stuttgart. It has been a fluid start to proceedings in Germany, with both teams looking good in an attacking sense. France had a big chance early on to score as Unai Simon denied Kylian Mbappe, and they have now been made to pay. Advertisement On 22 minutes, Spain took the lead courtesy of Nico Williams, whose future has been widely speculated upon in recent weeks. The Athletic Club winger smashed the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan after fine play from Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. And four minutes later, La Roja doubled their advantage courtesy of Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. Spain are determined to defend the title they won two years ago, and as things stand, they will have the opportunity to do so against Portugal this weekend. But there is still a long way to go in this one.
Mint
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League Semifinals: Live Streaming, timings, predicted lineups and more
Spain will take on France in the second semifinal clash of the UEFA Nations League. The highly-anticipated clash will be played at the Stuttgart Arena. The winner of the game will advance to the summit clash against Portugal, while the loser will compete in the third-place playoff against Germany. Spain aims to continue their strong international form, having won the Nations League in 2023, while France will be eyeing a second title, having won the competition in 2021. Here is everything you need to know about the match. The match between the two European giants will be on June 6, Friday in India, and June 5, Thursday in the US. The match will begin at 12:30 AM IST (India) and 3:00 PM ET (US). Both teams faced each other 37 times. While Spain won 17 matches, France clinched victories in 13 games. 7 games between the teams ended in a draw. Spain Playing XI: Unai Simon, Mingueza, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella, Pedri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Williams, Morata France Playing XI: Maignan, Gusto, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Digne, Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot, Olise, Mbappe, Kolo Muani Indian viewers can watch the UEFA Nations League semifinal live on the Sony Sports Network. The match will also be available for streaming on the SonyLiv app and website. US viewers can watch the UEFA Nations League semifinal live on Fubo, FS1 (Fox Sports 1), and ViX (with Sling TV). If the game ends in a draw after 90 minutes then an extra 15 minutes will be given. It will be followed by a penalty shoot if necessary.
Mint
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Spain vs France, Nations League Semifinal: Head-to-head details
Spain will lock horns with France in the second semifinal match of the UEFA Nations League match. The clash will be played at the Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart in Germany. Before the high-stakes match begins, let's dive in and know about how both teams have fared against each other. Both Spain and France have clinched the title once. While France beat Spain 2-1 in the final of the 2021 edition, Spain lifted the trophy the next season after beating Croatia on penalties after the game ended 0-0 after extra time. In the head-to-head record, Spain have the upper hand by winning 17 of the 37 matches played. Matches won by France: 13 The previous time these two sides came face to face was in the Euro 2024 semifinal stage. The game resulted in Spain securing a 2-1 win. The winner of the semifinal match between Spain and France will face Portugal in the summit clash on June 8. Portugal beat Germany 2-1 in the first semifinal to clinch their spot in the final. Spain Playing XI: Unai Simon, Mingueza, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella, Pedri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Williams, Morata France Playing XI: Maignan, Gusto, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Digne, Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot, Olise, Mbappe, Kolo Muani 'We have in this tournament the three previous winners of the Nations League, three previous World Cup winners, and a previous Euro winner. So you certainly can't call it a minor tournament, and we place huge importance upon it. 'We will give it everything, and we want to make history by becoming the first team to win the Nations League twice." 'This Spain team has already shown their quality, and they are the best side in Europe and probably the best in the world. They also may have a few players who are fresher. But still, my team always has the ability to maintain a strong collective and technical rhythm."
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
La Liga: Champions Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in final game
Update: Date: 20:02 BST Title: Post Content: Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona (20:00 BST) Oscar De Marcos make his final Athletic Bilbao appearance at right-back. Athletic Bilbao: Unai Simón, Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Unai Núñez, Óscar De Marcos, Mikel Jauregizar, Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta, Nico Williams, Unai Gómez, Alex Berenguer, Maroan Sannadi. Update: Date: 20:01 BST Title: Post Content: Athletic Bilbao have given Barcelona a guard of honour before both sides did the same for 36-year-old veteran Oscar de Marcos, who is playing his final game for the club. Update: Date: 19:59 BST Title: Good evening Content: And welcome to live text coverage of Barcelona's final game of the La Liga season as the champions aim to end the campaign on a high away to Athletic Bilbao.
