Maghnes Akliouche’s World Cup hopes tied to Monaco’s European push | OneFootball

Maghnes Akliouche’s World Cup chances could hinge on Monaco progressing to the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday, a result that would keep him on the radar.

According to L'Équipe, the 23-year-old shone on his first France start on 16 November in Baku, a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan. Playing on the right, he lasted 61 minutes and scored from Malo Gusto’s pass.

Since that camp his momentum has dipped. He has played 11 Monaco games with only three wins, has not scored, and has supplied two assists, at Paphos in the Champions League, 2-2 on 26 November, and at Auxerre in the Coupe de France, 2-1 on 21 December.

The malaise is collective and he is not more at fault than others. He is the only France international in the group, with Paul Pogba still unavailable, and he remains one of Monaco’s biggest assets after talk of a €70m sale last summer faded.

Used on the right in Sébastien Pocognoli’s 4-4-2, or as a No 10 in a diamond, he currently prefers the central role for greater influence. He runs, presses and takes responsibility, yet little has come off in recent weeks.

Juventus visit on Wednesday with Monaco’s European season at stake. For Akliouche, a telling contribution now could prove significant for the summer.

Source: L'Équipe