Paolo Rongoni, now a staff member of the Algeria national team, once made a proposition to Rayan Cherki. The pair worked together at Lyon, where Rongoni served as head of strength and conditioning when a teenage Cherki was making his first steps in the first team.
"I had a small conversation two years ago because I hoped he might come in and play for Algeria but unfortunately he chose another cap," recalls Rongoni, speaking about Cherki, who has Algerian heritage, to the Manchester Evening News from America.
Cherki, who had already been capped by France at youth level, stayed with the country of his birth and made his debut for Didier Deschamps' side last year. He could light up the World Cup when the French begin their campaign against Senegal on Tuesday. A few hours later, Algeria start their tournament against Argentina.
Rongoni and his team will be without Cherki, but having seen the midfielder enthral at the Etihad this season, it is understandable why the Italian asked the question. "He was very kind when we spoke," Rongoni said. "He is a good person, a funny person but a really good person."
Cherki has captured the hearts of City fans in his debut campaign with great goals, Rabona assists, and cup final keepie-uppies. His attitude reflects a player who, in his own words, 'plays to put a smile on fans' faces.' Behind those magical moments lies a work ethic, determination, and desire to improve. Over the campaign, the Frenchman became more important and influential, earning the complete trust of Pep Guardiola.
That work-rate was honed in Lyon under Rongoni's watch. While Cherki would rather have had a ball at his feet, there were no shortcuts with the hard yards. "I can say Rayan doesn't like work," Rongoni chuckles. "But he is a worker and with me he was a worker. But he liked the ball, like every player like him. He is a football player, he doesn't like to stay in the gym or run, like every player. But there was never any conflict. I think his success was his work, he just missed the football sense but today he has it."
Cherki has shown that in spades at City, with countless occasions where he spotted a pass no one else would, saw a space no one else would, or scored a goal no one else would. Behind the scenes, he has worked on his game, embraced Guardiola's coaching, and become a joker in the dressing room. He is well-liked and respected by teammates and, at only 22, has potential to improve further.
Rongoni, like most at Lyon, knew Cherki was special when he was coming through the ranks, even if there was a tempestuous side. "I remember an amazing talent, a young guy with very strong potential, with a personality," he recalls. "Maybe when he was young he had a strong personality! In that moment, he was two people - a young guy and an amazing football player. Anytime we had a conflict with attitude or behaviour, it was because he was young, 16 or 17 years old, but an incredible talent."
"I remember many times speaking with his brother about his weight and to put into his head the right diet for a professional and we started to build this Rayan. Two or three times per week, depending on whether he was playing, he did heavy sessions of strength and conditioning to build his body."
Cherki came through the academy at his hometown club and made his Lyon debut at just 16. He was long touted as a potential superstar and in France began to marry his ability with awareness. "It was not easy for him because he has a talent and a feeling with the ball but not a football sense," remembers Rongoni. "He didn't understand what was happening around him. He controlled himself and the ball perfectly, but around him was another world. But with time and coaching he has understood this process with movement and the pass and today he is a complete player. I am really happy for him and his career."
