Sebastien Pocognoli, the head coach of Monaco, praised Maghnes Akliouche in March, highlighting the young Frenchman’s relentless defensive work‑rate and his ability to contribute offensively. Pocognoli noted that Akliouche not only tracks back diligently but also pushes forward, often winning the ball high up the pitch in Ligue 1. This combination of pressing intensity and attacking instinct, he argued, marks him as an atypical, modern footballer.
The commendation helps explain the buzz surrounding Akliouche. The 24‑year‑old, who has already earned a call‑up to the France national team, was linked with a possible move to Liverpool, yet Paris Saint‑Germain ultimately secured his signature. In a market saturated with talented wingers, Akliouche offers a distinct blend of qualities that set him apart.
Akliouche’s technical prowess is evident in his highlight reel, which rivals those of the sport’s biggest stars. One of the most memorable moments is his spectacular overhead kick against Rennes last season – a display of both athleticism and refined technique.
His finishing arsenal is diverse: some goals arrive with thunderous power, while others are delicately lifted over the goalkeeper, such as his second‑touch finish in a victory 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 spectacular strikes, what truly distinguishes Akliouche is his work ethic.
Pocognoli’s description of him as “atypical” and “modern” reflects a broader shift in elite football, where coaches now demand high‑pressing, high‑intensity players who can also create moments of brilliance. Abel Lorincz, Monaco’s technical coach last season, echoed this sentiment, calling Akliouche a “really good pressing player.” Lorincz, who worked under both Pocognoli and Adi Hutter, observed that Akliouche excelled in Hutter’s system, delivering relentless energy, aggressive pressing, and a high volume of intensive actions. Statistically, Akliouche finished the campaign ranked third in the league for possessions won inside the final third of the pitch. Lorincz admitted that this metric made Liverpool’s interest unsurprising, noting that coaches like Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique value players who can press high and win the ball in dangerous areas.
Yet Akliouche is far more than a tireless runner; he is a composed, mature professional who has accumulated nearly 150 appearances for Monaco. Lorincz praised Akliouche’s technical ability and football intelligence, placing him among an elite group of players who not only absorb coaching instructions but also generate solutions on the field that can surprise their managers.
After the World Cup summer, Lorincz expects Akliouche’s development to accelerate further. He emphasized that being selected for the French squad by Didier Deschamps is a testament to the player’s quality, even if his World Cup minutes were limited to brief substitute appearances. Lorincz believes Akliouche is ready for the next step in his career, describing him as “a really big talent” who is highly coachable and creative.
Coaching staff have also observed Akliouche’s impact on set‑pieces. Despite his slender build, he proved to be an effective presence in the box, often closing down the second post or acting as a blocker for teammates like Eric Dier. His willingness to engage physically with larger opponents demonstrates his tactical intelligence and adaptability. Lorincz recounted that halftime adjustments to attacking set‑pieces were frequently remembered and executed by Akliouche, reinforcing his reputation as a player who absorbs information quickly and follows instructions to the letter.
Looking ahead, Akliouche will be under the tutelage of Luis Enrique, the only three‑time Champions League winner currently coaching at club level. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for the Frenchman to refine his game under one of the sport’s most respected minds, while PSG gains a dynamic asset capable of influencing high‑stakes matches. Akliouche has already shown a penchant for big‑game moments, having scored the opening goal against PSG at the Parc des Princes in consecutive weeks earlier this year. In summary, Maghnes Akliouche combines an aggressive pressing style, technical versatility, and a high football IQ that makes him a rare commodity in modern football.
His ability to win the ball high up the pitch, execute a wide range of finishes—including overhead kicks and delicate chips—and contribute intelligently to set‑piece situations illustrates a player who transcends the typical winger profile. As he transitions to PSG and works with Luis Enrique, the football world can anticipate many more decisive performances and perhaps a new era of success for both player and club.