Rayan Cherki Criticized: Not Zidane Level, Says Dugarry
Dugarry Questions Hype on French Radio
Christophe Dugarry expressed deep frustration over the constant praise directed towards Rayan Cherki on RMC Sport, questioning whether the Manchester City playmaker deserves the lofty comparisons being made.
Comparison to Domestic Rivals
The former France international compared Cherki to fellow attacking talents Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, insisting the youngster offers nothing more than his peers and remains merely a rotational option for Didier Deschamps rather than a national team cornerstone.
Calls for Consistency Over Individual Flair
Dugarry demanded that Cherki prove his worth through sustained excellence, declaring “He's not Zidane” and stressing the need for more consistency over time.
- Nine goals and ten assists in 41 appearances for Manchester City this season.
- Featured for France in a 3-1 victory over Colombia on March 29, 2026, playing 78 minutes.
- Manchester City face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend, Chelsea on April 12, and Arsenal on April 19 in the Premier League.
“What is this player who can afford to stop when he loses the ball? What is this player who, every time he touches the ball, is in a performance? Stop talking about Cherki like that.”
