Maghnes Akliouche is changing dimension at Paris Saint-Germain. A few days after scoring his first goal in his new colors against Le Mans (3-1), last Saturday, the former Monegasque confirmed all his potential this Wednesday evening on the Manchester City pitch. Started to everyone’s surprise by Luis Enrique for this first major European shock of the season, the Parisian striker responded by signing another high-quality performance, punctuated by a “gag” goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s failed intervention. In a spectacular encounter, Akliouche demonstrated above all that he could be decisive when the level of demands rose and the big European evenings demanded talent, daring and composure. A rise in power which had already begun against Le Mans, where Akliouche took advantage of his tenure to distinguish himself by his technical quality, his mobility and his ability to evolve in different offensive positions.
A surprise tenure
His goal in the 68th minute of play rewarded a convincing performance, while allowing PSG to seal their success. But beyond this achievement, it was above all the impression left by the player which had left its mark. After the meeting, Luis Enrique did not hide his enthusiasm when talking about his recruit: “For me, Maghnes was the best player, or one of the best, in this match. He has everything”. The Spanish coach also insisted on his versatility, his technique and his physical qualities, going so far as to admit to having been pleasantly surprised by what he had observed. Strong words which already demonstrated the technician’s growing confidence in his player. Facing Manchester City, Luis Enrique therefore decided to transform these first positive signals into a real strong choice. For this major European meeting at the Etihad Stadium, the native of Gijon preferred to start Akliouche over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was particularly successful during the club’s previous continental campaign. A decision far from trivial, which illustrates the place that the young attacker is gaining in the Parisian offensive hierarchy.
Aligned alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, Akliouche benefited from an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that he could integrate into the demands of the Parisian game while bringing his own creativity. By placing his trust in him in such a context, Luis Enrique sent a clear signal: a player’s performance and profile can take precedence over his status or competition, provided he meets expectations on the pitch. And the least we can say is that Akliouche seized this opportunity brilliantly. His goal scored against the Citizens, on a remarkable long shot, illustrated his ability to make the difference individually in a very high level match. Beyond this decisive action, his performance also confirmed the promises made against Le Mans, giving further credence to the compliments expressed by Luis Enrique a few days earlier. Credited with a 7.5 by our editorial team, the former Monegasque generally distinguished himself in his work of harassment on the ball carrier and his constant availability for his teammates.
Akliouche is in heaven
Present on the construction of the first and third goals, the kid from Tremblay-en-France could ultimately only enjoy the final whistle. “It’s a very good week, especially two victories too, that’s what I remember most, it’s good. We knew that today was a big meeting, that we had to win here with a very beautiful stadium, a very nice atmosphere, we were keen to respond”noted the person concerned in the mixed zone. Relaunched on the face of this XXL shock, Akliouche, like his coach, recognized the double face of the capital club. “We got into this match very well, we managed to score, to realize our chances, after the second half it was a little more complicated, the opponent pushed too but the end result is that we are happy to win this match and we will try to improve day by day”. With a smile on his face, he also took the opportunity to return to the confidence shown by his trainer
“I was very happy (to start), impatient to start and above all the desire and this aggressiveness to win the match. I’m here for this type of meeting, there will still be a lot of matches and opportunities to live up to the meeting. I haven’t seen the coach’s statements after Le Mans but what I can say is that the coach is very present for me, whether it is him or his staff, they give me a lot of confidence and that is very important.. And to add: “It’s just fun at PSG with a coach who makes us play, players who play football, it’s easier to play ball. I try to respond, to help the team whether with goals or in the game. I haven’t unlocked anything but being able to score your first goal with your new club feels good and now I just want to continue and give the maximum of myself.. One thing is certain: in the space of a few days, the Parisian has scored valuable points and proven that he can be present when the spotlight is on the biggest European posters.
