Luis Enrique hails 'sensational' debut for PSG's €50m signing
PSG manager Luis Enrique has praised summer signing Maghnes Akliouche for his impressive performance in his debut during the UEFA Super Cup victory.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Zakarie Faibis
Paris Saint-Germain successfully secured the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. The match served as the highly anticipated debut for summer signing Maghnes Akliouche, who joined the club in a €50 million deal.
Head coach Luis Enrique handed the 24-year-old a starting spot in a demanding false nine role. Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, the Frenchman demonstrated the technical quality and personality required to fit perfectly into Enrique's possession-based tactical system during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
"For me, he was sensational. He played just as I’d seen him play at Monaco. He showed his quality and his personality, and I’m very happy for him," said Luis Enrique.
The immediate reward for the performance was a major piece of continental silverware. Enrique expressed his delight with the signing, noting that the player adapted seamlessly to the team's demands against a resilient opponent. Having earned his manager's confidence and a winner's medal, Akliouche will now focus on cementing a regular starting position as the new campaign gets under way.