I would have loved to play with Rayan Cherki – Zinedine Zidane hails France star

Zinedine Zidane has singled out Rayan Cherki for special praise after beginning his tenure as France head coach with a 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Turkey.

The former Real Madrid manager marked his return to the dugout with a narrow away win, with captain Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive second-half goal to give Les Bleus a winning start under their new coach.

Zidane now faces another test when France travel to Brussels to meet Belgium on September 28, with the new boss already offering an insight into his vision for a squad packed with attacking talent.

Among the players to catch his eye is Cherki, who started against Turkey and featured as part of an attacking four that underlined Zidane’s preference for an adventurous approach.

The France coach was particularly impressed by the 22-year-old’s technical ability and creativity, describing him as the kind of player he would have wanted alongside him during his own illustrious playing career.

“I would have loved to play with a player like Rayan Cherki when I was a player!

“He finds such incredible passes, and he even knows how to play without the ball.”

Cherki earns Zidane’s trust

Cherki’s inclusion in the starting line-up against Turkey provided an early indication of his importance to Zidane’s plans.

The attacking midfielder was given freedom to operate alongside France’s other forward players, with Zidane opting for a front four capable of creating chances through movement and individual quality.

That tactical choice could become a defining feature of Zidane’s France side as he attempts to build on the team’s winning start.

Cherki’s ability to create openings with his passing appears to have made a strong impression on the new coach, while his contribution without possession was another aspect Zidane highlighted.

The former France captain’s comments also suggest that Cherki could have a significant role to play as the Nations League campaign progresses.

Belgium next for Zidane

France’s immediate focus now shifts to Belgium, with Zidane preparing for his second match in charge.

The trip to Brussels will provide another opportunity for the new coach to assess his squad and develop his tactical ideas against strong opposition.

Following the Belgium fixture, Zidane will complete the FIFA window with two home matches.

France will face Italy on October 2 before welcoming Belgium again on October 5.

With Mbappe already delivering the decisive moment in Zidane’s first game, attention will now turn to whether Cherki and France’s other attacking stars can build on the encouraging start and help shape the new era under the World Cup-winning midfielder.