The Rise and Rise of Maghnes Akliouche at Monaco

AS Monaco got themselves right back on track in their bid for UEFA Champions League qualification over the weekend with a win in the Côte d'Azur derby on Saturday night (2-1). Maghnes Akliouche once again provided the deadly creative spark, seizing his opportunity on the edge of the box with a perfectly-executed backheel flick which fell in the path of Mika Biereth to equalise for the Principality side.

“Mika always positions himself well, so when you serve him, it often results in a goal,” Akliouche commented post-match, downplaying his own involvement. Yet, his influence was far from over. Minutes later, he turned provider again, assisting Breel Embolo to complete Monaco’s comeback. It marked the first time he had recorded two assists in a single match, bringing his season tally to eight—placing him third in the Ligue 1 assists chart alongside Nantes’ Moses Simon and PSG’s Bradley Barcola. Only Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa (both on nine) currently remain ahead.

“I didn’t know,” Akliouche admitted with a modest smile to L'Équipe after the game. “But that’s great! I need to keep progressing, try to be decisive, but most importantly, help the team.” Could he end the season as Ligue 1’s top assist provider? “Why not?” he mused. “We’ll try to create as many assists as possible. And if I need to score, I will.”

The Frenchman's rise at Monaco this season has seen him transform into one of Adi Hütter's key men at Stade Louis II. Despite not getting as many goals himself as he would like, he has been generous in helping others hit the back of the net. One of his former youth coaches even told L'Équipe, that the Frenchman "seemed to enjoy providing assists more than scoring goals himself."

A unique player, says Hütter
 

"He is a totally different player to France’s other players," said manager Hütter to The Guardian, adding "He is brave, always dribbling, always has an idea. He has a big career in front of him. I am encouraged to see where he can go.”

Monaco travel to Brest next weekend before facing Olympique de Marseille in what could be a vital match to decide who makes the Champions League by the end of the season. Akliouche will be equally encouraged to keep hitting the assists for Monaco this season.

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