Rayan Cherki, the player from the 69, has finally found his place in the French team six years after his impressive debut at Beaujoire under the colors of OL. Against Ivory Coast for his return to the Canaries' den, the metronome impressed with a convincing performance and his sense of humor. The story of a hope who took his time before confirming his immense talent. On Saturday, January 18, 2020, a virus named Cherki made the defense of FC Nantes sick on the pitch of Beaujoire. For his first professional start in a Coupe de France 16th final, the young OL, 16 years old at kick-off, scored a double in 9 minutes before getting a penalty and delivering a caviar for Moussa Dembélé. The birth of a prodigy destined to impress the planet football in the years to come. A few months later, when France was in confinement to fight against this Covid-19 dirt, the spread of the Cherki disease slowed down, to the point where it became sometimes a small bacteria without much danger. The incubation time was only a little longer than expected, and that's just fine. Not yet ready to chain high-level matches after his masterpiece against Nantes, the OL leader waited in the waiting room of the Rhone club for several seasons. In the summer 2024 transfer market, he was not far from leaving for a cruise to the banks of the Thames to Fulham, which would have changed the course of his career. Finally, Rayan Cherki moved to Manchester City the following season, where he was prescribed medication by Dr. Pep Guardiola. His first season was as surprising as it was enjoyable at the SkyBlues, which opened the doors to the French team, six years after that first match against Nantes. Yes, in contemporary football, there is not only the crazy precocity of Kylian Mbappé and Désiré Doué. Taking his time and struggling at times to achieve his goals is also a way to achieve his dreams. Back on the pitch of Beaujoire to break the bones of his opponents – and remind bad memories to Nantes supporters –, Rayan Cherki showed that patience is a virtue. Against Ivory Coast, he was the most performing Blue on the pitch, better than his teammates who confirmed their talent before him. Scorer of a remarkable cross after playing with the legs of Seko Fofana, the number 24 of the French team calmed the patrol of the Elephants. Post Instagram See on instagram.com Fidèle to his gourmand style of play, the player from the 69 has nonetheless had some waste. Against the solid Ivorians, the artist has lost twelve times the ball and got tangled up in missing a big opportunity when he was in an ideal position to open the score. Finally, his goal before leaving for the shower rewarded his first period. Enough to be a starter in North America at the World Cup? Not sure, as Cherki still has to learn. The progression of the player who is about to play his first World Cup is not yet complete.