Cherki eyeing more responsibility with France in future

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Rayan Cherki is keen to take on even more responsibility within the France national team, claiming he “learned to play in a new position” during this break.

Cherki has played a key role in Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten start to his life as Les Bleus’ boss and scored his first international goal since June in their 4-1 win over Belgium in the Nations League.

The 23-year-old was one of three players to come off the bench to score, with his goal giving them the lead after Desire Doue had equalised. Michael Olise also netted twice.

In the four games during this break, only Ousmane Dembele (11) has created more chances than Cherki (seven), who has a joint-team-high two assists.

Cherki has been involved in Zidane’s three-man midfield on the right, playing behind Olise to create an impressive link-up.

“People talk about my dribbling, but I’m now playing in a role that requires me to play complete, clean matches, and true football connoisseurs understand that,” Cherki told TF1.

“During this training camp, I learned to play in a new position. It’s a different style of play: I can’t lose the ball.

“I like this position, and you’ll see, as time goes on, that I’ll take on even more responsibility.”

4 goals, 4 celebrations https://t.co/a9zE1nOLi9

— French Team  (@FrenchTeam) October 6, 2026

France sit top of Group A1 with 10 points and are in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals during the November break.

It has been a strong start to life as France head coach for Zidane, who has been without the injured Kylian Mbappe for the last three games, and Cherki was full of praise for his new boss.

“Honestly, it’s fantastic. We have an extraordinary relationship,” Cherki said of Zidane.

“He treats all the players the same; he chats with everyone about anything and everything. He teaches us the fundamentals, especially the importance of having the ball.” 

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