Didier Deschamps rewards Rayan Cherki with France call-up for November international break | OneFootball

Manchester City attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been called up to the French national team for November’s international break after a series of stellar performances.

Cherki, who joined City from Lyon in June, has picked up three goals and three assists in eight games across all competitions and scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Now, due to his flourishing performances for the Premier League club, Didier Deschamps – the France national team manager – has included Cherki in his squad announcement for games against Ukraine and Azerbaijan this month.

Since his arrival in the summer, Rayan Cherki has struggled to pick up consistent minutes for Manchester City after suffering a thigh injury in late August, as well as other muscular issues throughout September. 

But the 22-year-old has capitalised on the opportunity to shine for Pep Guardiola by frequently scoring late goals after coming off the bench, having done so against Wolves, Swansea City, and Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland praised Rayan Cherki’s abilities prior to the win on Wednesday night in European action, comparing the Frenchman to club legend Kevin de Bruyne.

“He has this kind of special ability which is difficult to explain, a little bit like Kevin [De Bruyne],” the Norwegian said. “He’s a special talent and we need to help him develop even more because he can be really good.”

France are unbeaten in their last five games after losing the UEFA Nations League final to Germany in the summer, and in that time Didier Deschamps’ side has picked up four wins, drawing the remainder, most recently, against Iceland. 

Recent performances also see Kylian Mbappe, having scored 21 goals in 18 games for club and country this season, receive a call-up alongside other attackers such as Hugo Ekitike and Bradley Barcola.

Unfortunately for the nation however, there is an absence for Paris Saint-Germain forward and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele – who was forced off against Bayern Munich after just 25 minutes on Tuesday night, with Desire Doue also missing out.