Maghnes Akliouche needs to step up as PSG face Monaco | OneFootball

Maghnes Akliouche faces former club Monaco on Friday at 21:05 after a 50 million euros summer move to PSG, and still needs to kick on. According to Nice-Matin, he has yet to take the next step.

Long viewed as a homecoming for the Tremblay-born attacker, the deal was finalised this summer. Luis Enrique has since hailed an exceptional window, a judgement that includes the ex-Monaco player.

He has started three of PSG’s first four matches and enjoys clear trust from his coach, yet his displays remain cautious as he adapts. Enrique has already used him as a support striker, out wide as at Monaco, and as a midfield runner, reflecting the demand for versatility.

The France international, who has 10 caps, is still short of rhythm in a side winless in Ligue 1, with two draws. José Pierre-Fanfan argues he must raise his level and become decisive, saying he was signed to refresh the squad and that, so far, the output leaves people wanting and falls below starter standard.

Often questioned in duels, the number 11 needs to toughen up and add incision. His play has been tidy rather than impactful, with little happening on the ball, and he must be far more effective in the final third. With Barcola, Lee and Ramos frequently decisive off the bench last season, he has to acclimatise quickly at PSG, and he is 24.

Source: Nice-Matin

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