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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Cherki's debut start in Nations League playoff</li><li>Deschamps praises creativity and on-ball flair</li><li>City move looms after Lyon bid rejected</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'He needs to be at the heart of the game' - Rayan Cherki hailed as an example for France's other youngsters as Didier Deschamps reflects on Man City-bound star's strong start for national team

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<p>Cherki earned his first start for the French senior team in a 2-0 win over Germany in the Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday. Though he wasn’t decisive like in his stunning cameo against Spain, his flair and confidence were on display. In the post-game press conference French Coach Deschamps praised the attacking midfielder's potential, saying: "He needs to be at the heart of the game."<em> </em>According to reports, a move to<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/rayan-cherki-confirms-impending-manchester-city-move-stunning-cameo-france-5-4-nations-league-loss-spain/bltd2a04c1aa90b2f70" target="_blank"> City is nearing completion, with a five-year deal reportedly agreed</a> and negotiations progressing quickly.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>As the Les Bleus eyes the 2026 World Cup, Deschamps is clearly investing in youth with big potential and hopes to see Cherki take on a pivotal role in every game he plays for the national team. Meanwhile, a switch to the Etihad outfit could further accelerate his development in elite footballing environments.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The 21-year-old Lyon talent, who had dazzled when he came off the bench for his debut against La Roja in the semi-final, did enough to earn the praise of head coach. He told reporters: "He did what he knows how to do. Today, he did some good things, others less so. He lost the ball a few times. He needs to be at the heart of the game, even if it happened to him with his club to play on one side. He exudes a lot of joy, he is happy to be here. He has this ability to eliminate, make accurate passes. If all the players on their first call-up to the national team did the same thing... I don't know where he will be in September, certainly not in the same place, it will require confirmation and continuity."</p>

WHAT DESCHAMPS SAID

<p>Cherki is reported to have a<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/rayan-cherki-man-city-twist-lyon-reject-first-offer-pep-guardiola-side-second-bid-prepared-france-star/bltcb9bf1f32d9c7662" target="_blank"> £25 million ($34m) release clause in his Lyon contract</a>, which runs until 2026. With City and Lyon now in talks, his move to the Etihad could be confirmed soon. If the transfer goes through, he will join a squad stacked with attacking talent, raising the stakes for a young player eager to prove he belongs at the very top. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RAYAN CHERKI?

'He needs to be at the heart of the game' - Rayan Cherki given hailed as an example for France's other rising stars as Didier Deschamps reflects on Man City-bound star's first national team start | Goal.com

Rayan Cherki received tremendous praise from Didier Deschamps after Manchester City-bound star&apos;s first start for the France national team.

&apos;He needs to be at the heart of the game&apos; - Rayan Cherki hailed as an example for France&apos;s other youngsters as Didier Deschamps reflects on Man City-bound star&apos;s strong start for national team

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