Akliouche justifies one-to-watch tag with thrilling Monaco cameo
Robin Bairner
- 23 Oct 2023 14:14 BST
- 3 min read
Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche continued to enhance his burgeoning reputation on Sunday as he turned in a formidable display for the Ligue 1 leaders as they overcame Metz 2-1 at home.
Adi Hutter’s side fell behind early in the game thanks to an outrageous strike from Lamine Camara from inside his own half, yet they turned the match around thanks to two goals from Aleksandr Golovin.
It was, however, the half-time introduction of 21-year-old Akliouche that really spurred the team on.
The Franco-Algerian star was introduced to bring more creativity to the team and did that by getting on the ball regularly and drawing several fouls. On top of this, he showed a silky touch and offered three excellent efforts at goal. He also did the dirty work, winning 60% of his duels.
Akliouche set for a big future
Akliouche with a brace to push a Monaco win 💎🔝 pic.twitter.com/UTbjagXhdb
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 2, 2023
Akliouche is a player who is increasingly coming to the fore for Monaco this season, having starred in the 3-2 victory over Marseille prior to the international break. He was also heavily involved for France U21s as they continued their winning streak under Thierry Henry.
Back in Monaco, he is fighting with a talented group of attacking players to earn more minutes in the team, yet this is sure to come if he continues to play in this manner.
He has enjoyed relatively few minutes in the Monaco first team, but he has made the most of the chances he has got. Across 171 minutes of action this season, he has three goals and an assist, which means he has had a direct impact on the game better than once every half he has played.
Transfer interest will be mounting in the talented youngster as a result, with his capability to play centrally or on the right offering an interesting profile when combined with his ease in possession.
If he continues to make an impact at Monaco, expect to see some very big clubs take an interest in Akliouche, who is under contract until 2026, very soon.
