Warren Zaire-Emery hails Rayan Cherki as genius ahead of World Cup

Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain described Rayan Cherki as a genius after observing him in France training and matches. Zaire-Emery said Cherki impresses many people and often acts instinctively, adding that sometimes he has moves he himself does not understand. Rayan Cherki recorded ten goals and fifteen assists across fifty‑two Premier League appearances for Manchester City last season. The 22‑year‑old is a former Lyon player. He earned a nomination for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. The nomination placed him alongside Erling Haaland. Cherki scored France’s goal in the pre‑tournament friendly defeat to Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast turned the game around to win the friendly. Heading into the FIFA World Cup, Cherki has six senior caps and two goals for France. Didier Deschamps has not confirmed his starting role, and France open the tournament against Senegal on June 16.