Pierre Sage has heaped praise on Rayan Cherki, tipping the young forward to become one of the world’s best players if he maintains his current trajectory at both club and international level.
Speaking to Le Parisien, the new RC Lens manager reflected on his time working with Cherki at Olympique Lyonnais and expressed admiration for the 20-year-old’s rapid rise to prominence.
Cherki recently made headlines with an impressive debut for the French national team, earning widespread acclaim for his technical flair and on-pitch intelligence.
“Rayan, as we know, will not be limited technically or tactically,” said Sage, who managed Cherki during his stint at Lyon. “If he continues to express these things over time, in different contexts, at club and national level, there is no reason why he will not become one of the best players in the world in the years to come.”
Cherki’s creative instincts and ability to unlock defences have long made him a standout talent in Ligue 1, but his recent performances in a France shirt have brought him even greater attention.
With his international debut now under his belt, the expectations surrounding his development are intensifying.
Sage also highlighted Cherki’s vision on the pitch as one of his defining traits. “His ability to see what others don’t see” is, according to the former Lyon coach, what sets him apart from many of his peers. This intuitive understanding of the game has made him a central figure in discussions about the future of French football.
Despite his youth, Cherki has already accumulated significant experience at the top level, making appearances in domestic and European competitions.
His blend of creativity, confidence, and technical precision has sparked comparisons with some of the game’s elite playmakers.
Pierre Sage’s comments add further weight to the growing belief that Cherki is on the path to becoming a major star for club and country.
As the forward prepares for the next stage of his career, he carries not only the hopes of fans but the backing of those who have closely observed his journey from the academy ranks to the international spotlight.
With continued discipline, maturity, and consistency, Rayan Cherki appears poised to fulfil the lofty predictions being made about his future.
