Supporters' Poll: Cherki Left Out of Ideal XI Against Italy in Nations League

Rayan Cherki is not winning unanimous support among France supporters. On the eve of France-Italy, 3rd matchday of the Nations League at Stade de France, a poll conducted among L’Équipe users has drawn up a starting XI in which the Lyon midfielder does not feature.

While Zinédine Zidane made nine changes between the trip to Turkey and the one to Belgium, France should return to a lineup closer to that of the first match. But several positions remain uncertain, and it is in midfield that supporters’ verdict is most clear-cut.

Lucas Da Cunha dominates the vote at this position with 83.70% of votes. To accompany him, those polled back Adrien Rabiot (63.69%) and Manu Koné (58.85%), relegating Cherki to 46.21% — the lowest score among the midfielders mentioned.

In defence, Mike Maignan (91.08%) and Dayot Upamecano (93.63%) enjoy near-unanimous confidence. Jérémy Jacquet, who delivered a remarkable performance in Belgium, is preferred to other centre-back options (65.01%). On the flanks, Adrien Truffert imposes himself on the left (55.92%) while Pierre Kalulu edges out Jules Koundé on the right (51.29%).

Upfront, in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, there is no debate: Michael Olise dominates the poll with 97.77% of votes, followed by Désiré Doué (88.47%) and Ousmane Dembélé (80.60%). Bradley Barcola (20.90%) and Estéban Lepaul (12.27%) are sent to the bench by supporters.