Sebastien Pocognoli, the head coach of Monaco, could not hide his admiration for Maghnes Akliouche when he spoke in March about the young Frenchman’s contribution in a hard‑fought match against Lyon. Akliouche had not only found the equaliser but also earned the decisive penalty that secured three points for his side. What impressed Pocognoli most, however, was the player’s relentless work ethic – a blend of defensive discipline, relentless pressing, and an instinct for winning the ball high up the pitch. In his view, those qualities mark Akliouche as an "atypical and modern" footballer, a description that captures the rare combination of physical intensity and technical flair that he brings to the game.
The praise from Monaco’s coach helps explain why the 24‑year‑old has become a hot commodity in the transfer market. Rumours linked him with a move to Liverpool, but Paris Saint‑Germain ultimately won the race for his signature.
In a landscape crowded with talented wingers, Akliouche offers something distinct: a player who can press, create, and finish with equal conviction. Akliouche’s highlight reel is the sort of compilation that would make any scout sit up and take notice. One of his most talked‑about moments came last season when he executed a spectacular overhead kick against Rennes – a strike that combined athleticism, timing, and pure technique.
That goal was not an isolated flash of brilliance; throughout his Ligue 1 career he has demonstrated a wide array of finishing methods. Some of his shots arrive with a thunderous power that rattles the net, while others are delicately chipped over the goalkeeper, showing a nuanced understanding of when to use force and when to employ finesse. Remarkably, five of his eighteen Ligue 1 goals have been scored with his weaker right foot, underscoring his ambidexterity and willingness to take chances from any angle. What truly sets Akliouche apart, however, is the marriage of his spectacular skill set with an extraordinary work rate.
Abel Lorincz, Monaco’s technical coach during the 2022‑23 season, echoed Pocognoli’s sentiment, describing him as "a really good pressing player" who thrived in the high‑energy system implemented by former manager Adi Hutter. Lorincz noted that Akliouche consistently ranked among the top three players in the league for possessions won inside the final third, a statistic that highlights his ability to recover the ball in dangerous areas and immediately turn defence into attack. Pressing is a hallmark of modern football, and coaches like Luis Enrique and Andoni Iraola have made it a non‑negotiable part of their tactical philosophy.
Lorincz admitted that the interest from Liverpool did not surprise him, because clubs that value high‑pressing systems are constantly on the lookout for players who can execute those demands without sacrificing technical quality. Akliouche delivers on both fronts.
Beyond his tireless running, Akliouche possesses a calm composure that belies his age. Having amassed nearly 150 appearances for Monaco, he has matured into a player who balances raw athleticism with intelligent decision‑making. Lorincz praised his "amazing technical ability" and "high game intelligence," emphasizing that Akliouche often proposes solutions on the pitch that even the coaching staff might not have anticipated.
This kind of footballing intuition is rare; it suggests a player who not only follows instructions but also reads the game and adapts in real time. His recent involvement with the French national team further validates his rising stature. After being called up for the World Cup squad, Akliouche saw limited minutes, but the experience of training alongside the nation’s elite is expected to accelerate his development.
Lorincz believes that Deschamps’ selection was purposeful and that Akliouche is "ready for the next step" – a sentiment echoed by many analysts who see him as a future regular for Les Bleus. Coaching adaptability is another facet of Akliouche’s profile. Lorincz described him as "very coachable" and "really creative," a combination that can sometimes be at odds – creative players may resist rigid structures, yet Akliouche appears to thrive under guidance. This balance was evident during set‑piece work last season.
Despite a slender physique, he became an effective aerial presence in the box, often positioning himself at the second post or acting as a blocker for teammates like Eric Dier. His ability to compete with larger opponents in these moments showcases his tactical awareness and timing, rather than relying solely on physical dominance.
The upcoming chapter of Akliouche’s career will see him under the tutelage of Luis Enrique, the only manager with three Champions League titles still active in club football. Working with a coach of Enrique’s calibre presents a unique opportunity for both player and club.
PSG will benefit from a forward capable of disrupting opposition defenses with relentless pressing, while Enrique will have a versatile attacker who can contribute both in the final third and in defensive transitions. Akliouche has already proven his mettle in high‑pressure situations. Earlier this year, he scored the opening goal against PSG in two consecutive weeks at the Parc des Princes – a clear indicator that he thrives when the stakes are high.
Those performances suggest that he possesses the mental fortitude required for big‑game moments, a quality that will be essential as he steps onto larger stages, whether in domestic competitions, European tournaments, or international fixtures. In summary, Maghnes Akliouche represents a new archetype of forward: a player who blends the relentless energy of a pressing specialist with the elegance of a creative attacker. His technical repertoire – from thunderous strikes to delicate chips, from overhead kicks to set‑piece positioning – is matched by an intelligence that allows him to read the game and execute a coach’s plan flawlessly. As he transitions to Paris Saint‑Germain and continues to grow under elite coaching, the football world can expect to see more spectacular goals, more high‑pressing displays, and an ever‑expanding influence on the pitch.
For fans and analysts alike, Akliouche is a name to watch, and his journey is only just beginning.