OGC Nice v AS Monaco player ratings as Zakaria impresses and Balogun hits the bar | OneFootball

AS Monaco’s mixed display at OGC Nice produced a standout at the back in Denis Zakaria and early threat from Folarin Balogun, according to Nice-Matin.

Balogun was lively from the off, beating Maxime Dupé then clipping the bar on three minutes before the goalkeeper’s foot denied him on 31 minutes. Thilo Kehrer conceded a penalty for handball on four minutes, only for a video review to overturn the decision.

After the break, Aleksandr Golovin’s close-range volley was saved by Dupé on 47 minutes and Philipp Köhn clawed out a cross bound for Sofiane Diop on 48 minutes. The goalkeeper later kept out Elye Wahi on 71 and 81 minutes, though he almost gifted a goal with a miscued clearance after straying from his line.

Zakaria, repositioned in defence, was excellent, containing Wahi with pace and strength, winning firm tackles and threatening from set pieces, a seven. Jordan Teze settled after early errors for a five. Kehrer, far from serene early on, landed robust challenges, rescued his side after Köhn’s error and took a six.

Krépin Diatta was cautious and made way for Vanderson on 75 minutes, the Brazilian booked for a needless foul on 88 minutes after last season’s red. Mohamed Camara worked tirelessly and slid Balogun in smartly, a six. Youssouf Bamba showed neat passing in spells for a five before being replaced by Mohamed Coulibaly on 75 minutes, who overhit a through ball for Nicklas Biereth on 90+6 minutes.

Simon Adingra, starting at left wing-back after a late-window arrival, struggled in his dribbles, a four, and was replaced by Biereth on 75 minutes. Maghnes Akliouche toiled, making poor choices and skewing a pass to Balogun on 81 minutes, a three. Golovin was slightly brighter than at Strasbourg, withdrawn for Caio Henrique on 65 minutes, a four.

Balogun was Monaco’s sharpest before the interval, then faded, a six. The coach received a five, keeping his structure, with Bamba’s selection a qualified success and Adingra’s a disappointment.

Source: Nice-Matin