Sebastien Pocognoli, Monaco's head coach, praised Maghnes Akliouche in March, highlighting his relentless defensive work rate and his willingness to surge forward. "When you have a player who not only tracks back but also presses high and recovers the ball deep in the attacking third, you are looking at a modern, atypical profile," Pocognoli said after Akliouche netted the equaliser against Lyon and then earned the decisive penalty.
This commendation helps explain the buzz surrounding the 24‑year‑old French international, who has been linked with Liverpool but ultimately saw Paris Saint‑Germain secure his signature. In a market saturated with talented wingers, Akliouche offers a blend of attributes that few can match. The first thing that catches the eye is his sheer quality.
Akliouche boasts a highlight reel that can sit comfortably alongside the sport's elite. One of the most memorable moments is his spectacular overhead kick versus Rennes last season – a display that combined athleticism, timing, and technical finesse. His finishing arsenal is diverse: some strikes arrive with thunderous power, while others are delicately lifted over the keeper, as seen in his second goal during a win over Brest.
Remarkably, five of his eighteen Ligue 1 goals have been scored with his weaker right foot, underscoring his ambidextrous capability. Beyond the flashiness of overhead kicks and delicate chips, what truly sets Akliouche apart is his work ethic.
Pocognoli’s description of him as "atypical" and "modern" is spot‑on because contemporary top‑level coaches now demand high‑intensity pressing combined with technical excellence, and Akliouche delivers on both fronts. Abel Lorincz, Monaco's technical coach last season, echoed this sentiment, noting that Akliouche thrived in Adi Hutter’s system, which emphasized high‑energy, high‑pressing actions. Lorincz added, "He is a really good pressing player," and pointed out that Akliouche ranked third in the league for possessions won inside the final third during the campaign.
Such statistics made Liverpool's interest unsurprising to Lorincz, who compared the Frenchman's suitability to the expectations of coaches like Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique, both of whom prioritize aggressive pressing. Yet Akliouche is more than a tireless runner. Having accumulated nearly 150 appearances for Monaco, he has matured into a composed, intelligent footballer.
Lorincz praised his "amazing technical ability" and "high game intelligence," suggesting that Akliouche belongs to a select group of players who not only absorb tactical instructions but also generate solutions that can surprise their coaches. His recent involvement with the French national squad, even if limited to brief cameo appearances at the World Cup, signals his readiness for bigger stages. Lorincz believes that Deschamps' decision to include him was purposeful and that Akliouche is poised for the next step in his career.
"One hundred per cent, he is a huge talent," Lorincz affirmed, emphasizing the player's coachability and creative instincts. He described Akliouche as "really creative" yet highly receptive to guidance, a combination that can sometimes be rare among naturally gifted attackers. Set‑piece situations also reveal another facet of his game. Despite a slender physique, Akliouche proved to be an effective presence in dead‑ball scenarios.
Lorincz recalled how Akliouche would position himself inside the box, often closing down the second post or acting as a blocker for teammates like Eric Dier. His ability to hold his own against physically larger opponents demonstrated tactical intelligence and positional awareness. Moreover, his adherence to halftime adjustments and willingness to execute specific instructions highlighted his reliability and adaptability.
Looking ahead, Akliouche's next mentor will be Luis Enrique, the only three‑time Champions League winner currently active in club management. Working under Enrique at PSG offers a rare chance for the young Frenchman to refine his game under one of the sport's most respected tacticians. For Enrique, acquiring a player who has already shown a knack for scoring against his side—Akliouche netted the opening goal at the Parc des Princes in consecutive weeks—adds a valuable asset capable of influencing high‑pressure encounters. In summary, Maghnes Akliouche combines an eye‑catching skill set with a relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to learn.
His ability to win the ball high up the pitch, execute a wide range of finishes, and contribute intelligently to set‑piece strategies makes him a rare commodity in modern football. As he transitions to PSG and potentially into the senior France squad, the expectation is that he will continue to evolve, delivering more decisive moments in big games and cementing his reputation as a pressing monster and creative force for years to come.