Premier League’s best midfielder had secret Chelsea trial but found it ‘too easy’ 

Rayan Cherki once had a secret trial at Chelsea but rejected a move to Manchester City’s domestic rivals because he found it ‘too easy.’

EFL star Miles Leaburn, formerly of the Blues’ academy, admitted the Frenchman arrived without his then-club Lyon ‘knowing about it’.

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The striker, who swapped Stamford Bridge for Charlton Athletic in 2019, recalled how Cherki was better than everybody in west London.

Rayan Cherki had secret Chelsea trial

The 22-year-old turned up at Cobham as a 12-year-old in 2015, but ultimately stayed at boyhood club Lyon.

“He came over from France and was rainbow-flicking guys in training,” said Leaburn during an interview with The Sun.

“I was thinking; ‘Oh my God, this is incredible’. He honestly rejected playing for Chelsea because he probably found it too easy!

“He was miles better than anyone else, absolute quality.

“That was one of the standout moments of the eight years or so I spent at Chelsea.”

Leaburn was released by Chelsea at 16 but made it as a professional with Charlton, with one goal from 24 Championship games this year.

Cherki, meanwhile, made nearly 150 appearances for Ligue 1 side Lyon prior to securing his £34million move to the Etihad last summer.

The four-cap France international has featured 22 times under Pep Guardiola across all competitions during his first half-season at City.

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Cherki named best Premier League midfielder

Cherki, who has scored two goals and registered seven assists in 16 Premier League games, will return to Stamford Bridge in April.

Chelsea fan and talkSPORT host Rory Jennings has already picked Man City’s No.10 as the best midfielder in England’s top-flight.

He made the claim days before Cherki scored his side’s winner and assisted during the 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.

“Rayan Cherki could quite easily be the best midfielder in the league at the moment,” Jennings said on Drive. “I think he could be the best in the midfield at the moment.

“If you look at the form that he’s displaying, if you look at the consistency that he’s playing with.

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“He warms me because I always love footballers like that. You know those kind of maverick 1970s throwback footballers who just kind of play and really adopt the artistry of the game.”

Jennings continued: “He really embraces the beauty of the game. He’s not a system footballer at all.

“And Pep Guardiola seems to be making the most out of him.

“His quick feet, brilliant off for a goal, wonderful finish on him. I think he’s one of the best players in the league at the moment, no doubt.”