Just like Jean Butez, called to compensate for Robin Risser’s package, Maghnes Akliouche was not included in Zinédine Zidane’s program for his first meeting at the head of the France team. The new coach had decided not to retain the Parisian in his initial list, despite his ten selections and his experience of the 2026 World Cup. The French technician had explained this choice by his desire to limit his group to 23 players and not to leave certain elements in the stands, specifying however that Akliouche remained “selectable” for future gatherings. But the loss of Warren Zaire-Emery, hit in the thigh, finally changed the situation: the Parisian midfielder was called up as reinforcement and now has an unexpected opportunity to score points with Zidane.
This summons, however, comes in a particular context for the 24-year-old player. Arriving this summer at PSG from Monaco, Akliouche has had a mixed start to his Parisian adventure, with an assist in eight appearances, including five starts. In particular, he did not have the same thunderous debut as Ferran Torres, but Luis Enrique continues to place his trust in him and appreciates his versatility, capable of playing on the right wing, in a three-way midfielder or even as a false number 9. “We have been watching his performances (in Monaco) for more than a year. He has everything to play for PSG. We signed him this summer. He is one of the players who adapts the quickest to what we want. He has qualities with the ball, a great ability to defend, he also makes deep calls. I’m happy with what I see when he plays and that’s why he plays a lot.”the Parisian coach recently explained.
Fierce competition for Maghnes Akliouche
Above all, this arrival on the wire gives him the opportunity to respond directly to a first signal sent by Zidane. Even before the list was announced, Akliouche had clearly displayed his ambition to earn his place with the Blues: “I hope this is the time to prove my place in the France team. I work for that and I give myself every day for this goal, but there are other steps before that. Zidane as coach, it’s a good thing for France that he is at the head of the team, I think everyone is happy with this choice. » The problem is that the competition is particularly dense. Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué were selected from the start, while Michael Olise also has an important status in the attacking sector. Cherki has already had the opportunity to stand out since the start of the rally, as reported The Team.
Akliouche will therefore have to take advantage of the slightest opportunity, particularly during the four Nations League matches planned during this gathering. Indeed, unlike the six new players, Akliouche knows Clairefontaine and must now convince a coach who, unlike Didier Deschamps, has just established his hierarchy. Until now, Zidane has not dwelled on his case beyond the explanation given for his initial non-summoning. With the withdrawal of Zaire-Emery, the context changes suddenly for the Parisian: it is up to him to transform this late recall into a real opportunity and to show that his still discreet start to the season at PSG does not reflect all that he can bring to the Blues. Will he have the opportunity to show his qualities at ZZ against Turkey? Answer this Friday evening.
