Why Rayan Cherki is ‘comparable’ to Lionel Messi but wants to be Cristiano Ronaldo – Liverpool-linked Lyon winger explains

At 21 years of age, the highly-rated France U21 international has been linked with leading sides across his Europe. His potential is said to have caught the eye of Premier League giants Liverpool, who may soon be in the market for a replacement to club legend Mohamed Salah.

Cherki could be a long-term option that the Reds consider, with his undoubted ability being talked up by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas – who has compared the youngster to an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Aulas has said: “Cherki is comparable to Messi in terms of technical quality."

Cherki has said of wanting to entertain, as Messi does: “I am here to provide joy for people and to also enjoy myself too and I think that is what makes the difference, whilst being efficient all the while.”

He did, however, go on to tell Telefoot of using CR7 as a source of inspiration. He added: “I had lots of idols but the one that I think is the best and the example to follow is Cristiano Ronaldo. Regarding his work and his longevity, that is the example that you have to follow.”

Ronaldo is still going strong at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, with the Portuguese GOAT set to turn 40 in early February. Messi is also showing no sign of slowing down at the age of 37, with the Argentine icon landing the 2024 MVP award in MLS on the back of his exploits at Inter Miami.