Paris Brunner targets starting role after five in six for Monaco | OneFootball

Paris Brunner is pressing his case for a Monaco starting spot after an eye-catching pre-season, with Zabrze looming in the Europa Conference League. According to Nice-Matin, coach Filipe Luis presently plans to pair Biereth and Abline in a 4-4-2.

He struck five times, including a brace against Saint-Priest, and headed the late winner at Anfield in a 3-2 victory, glancing in at the near post from a corner.

Used from the bench in each of the six friendlies, the 20-year-old made a strong impression, even if Monaco ended pre-season with a 2-0 defeat at Coventry on Friday in which he did not score.

Last season he managed only seven senior appearances, one start, without a goal. He says the upturn owes to daily work, faith and clearer conversations with team-mates about his movements. He is under contract until 2028.

At La Turbie, staff link the shift to a more central role and smarter runs. He also accepts that physical tools alone are not enough. He says his aim is to start for Monaco and he will give everything to try.

Signed from Dortmund in 2024 for €3 million after being named U17 World Cup best player the year before, he was immediately loaned to partner club Cercle Bruges. Some remain unconvinced, suggesting that while he scores, his overall play has yet to dominate.

Filipe Luis values his hunger and energy, saying the forward is making selection trickier, and Abline and Biereth know he plans to push them.

Source: Nice-Matin

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