Rayan Cherki stepped into a different kind of responsibility on Monday night, scoring as France beat Belgium 4-1 in the Nations League and speaking afterwards about a midfield role that is asking him to curb some of his natural instinct for risk.
The France midfielder found the net for the goal that made it 2-1, a moment he felt released the pressure on both the side and himself. France went on to secure a convincing win, with Cherki underlining the squad’s determination to win every match on the road to the Nations League title.
He said the group had been told at half-time that this was the moment to act, and praised the atmosphere built around the national team. Cherki described the bond between players and staff as exceptional, saying he had rarely experienced a squad in which everyone, from the first player to the last member of the backroom team, got along so well. In his view, that private unity is now showing in France’s performances.
Belgium, he said, had made the contest difficult by playing to their own strengths. But when Cherki and Michael Olise came on, both wanted to take responsibility. Cherki said that, on an evening when the game opens up, players of their profile have to enjoy the opportunity.
A new discipline in midfield
Cherki has been used as a central midfield player since Zinédine Zidane took charge of France, rather than in the freer attacking roles with which he has often been associated. He said the position requires him to produce more complete and controlled displays, a side of his game that, he believes, is recognised by those who understand football closely.
During this international camp, he has been learning the demands of the new role: a different style of play, less room for losing possession and a greater need for balance. Cherki insisted he likes the position and expects to take even more responsibility as he becomes more accustomed to it.
That does not mean abandoning the imagination that has defined him. Earlier on Monday, he told assistant David Bettoni that he was frustrated by the limited number of risks he had taken. Cherki said it is difficult for him not to attempt ambitious things, and told Bettoni he intended to be bolder against Belgium. The response was simple: go and enjoy yourself.
Cherki also spoke warmly of his relationship with Zidane, saying the coach treats every player in the same way and speaks easily with everyone in the group. Zidane has stressed fundamental principles, especially the importance of keeping the ball, while allowing his players room to express themselves once they have met their defensive obligations. For Cherki, that combination of structure and freedom is already proving powerful.
