Olympique Lyon midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has hailed teammate Rayan Cherki as the most naturally gifted player he’s encountered.
The duo is set to face Manchester United in the Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday night.
Cherki, born in Lyon, France, boasts a rich heritage with Algerian and Italian roots.
This season, the 21-year-old has been instrumental for Lyon, making 24 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring seven goals, and providing nine assists.
Cherki has nine goals and 18 assists across 36 games in all competitions.
Maitland-Niles, who joined Lyon from Arsenal, expressed his admiration for Cherki’s skills.
He further highlighted Cherki’s impact on the team, noting his ability to take chances, provide assists, and advance play by confidently taking on opponents.
Maitland-Niles emphasized Cherki’s two-footedness, fearlessness, and relentless drive, stating that the young midfielder has elevated his game by contributing defensively as well.
“He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” he told the BBC.
“An absolute master, a wizard with the ball. He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them – he is a genius.
“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.
“He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”
Reflecting on his own move to Lyon, Maitland-Niles shared that he instructed his agent to inform him only of concrete offers.
Lyon’s prompt interest and the club’s esteemed reputation influenced his decision. He expressed contentment with his current situation, appreciating the trust and belief shown in him.
“Lyon were the first to come in and it was such a big club showing their trust and belief in me. It was hard to turn down and it was a good time to try something different. I was at a point where I needed to be shown a lot of love and thought it was a good fit for me.
“Of course, I am happy with where I am at this point in time. But who is to say what might come up? In the meantime, I am very happy here and enjoying every moment.”
