Rayan Cherki has emerged as a central figure in the French national team under new head coach Zinédine Zidane, marking a significant shift from his peripheral status during the tenure of Didier Deschamps. The 23-year-old midfielder, currently plying his trade at Manchester City, is expected to start for the second time as France faces Belgium in the Nations League this Monday in Brussels.
Zidane’s tactical pivot centered on Cherki
Since taking charge of the French squad, Zinédine Zidane has moved quickly to integrate Rayan Cherki into his tactical setup. While Deschamps often utilized the former Lyonnais as an impact substitute, Zidane has signaled his intent to build around the young talent. During the announcement of his first squad selection on September 18, Zidane praised the midfielder’s specific attributes, describing him as a creative, natural number 10 who excels at operating between the lines.
Despite these initial comments suggesting a role as a primary playmaker, Zidane employed a tactical surprise during his debut match against Turkey on September 25. In the 1-0 victory at the Kocaeli Stadium in Izmit, Cherki was deployed in a deeper role as a relay player. The adjustment required him to bridge the gap between the midfield and the attacking line, a departure from his typical club positioning.
Integration of new squad members
The transition period under Zidane has involved more than just tactical shifts; it has included a broader assessment of the French roster. As the team prepares for the clash against the Belgium national team, reports indicate that the manager is rotating his squad to evaluate depth. Players such as Lepaul and Da Cunha have been noted as starters for the upcoming fixture, reflecting a commitment to testing new personnel within the Nations League framework.
This period of experimentation has been closely monitored by the French media. Following the win in Turkey, observers have tracked both the promising performances of newer squad members and the logistical changes implemented at the Clairefontaine training facility. The team’s focus now shifts to the match against the Red Devils, which serves as a test for Zidane’s evolving system and his ability to maintain momentum following his successful start in international management.
Broadcast and team adjustments for the Belgium fixture
The appointment of Zidane has drawn significant public attention, with broadcast figures for his debut match in Turkey reportedly exceeding those of other events in France. As the team moves to Brussels for the second act of this international break, the focus remains on whether the current tactical experiment—specifically the deep-lying role assigned to Cherki—will be refined or altered against a high-caliber opponent. The match is scheduled to provide further insight into the long-term vision for the squad as they play through the current Nations League campaign.
Worth a look
