Maghnes Akliouche transfer to PSG: Monaco forward's pressing is as good as his creativity and makes him a big asset

"If you have a player like that who puts in so much defensive effort – not just tracking back but also pushing forward since he is the one who wins back the most balls high up the pitch in Ligue 1 – it means he is an atypical and modern player."

Those were the words of Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli in March when speaking about Maghnes Akliouche. The player had scored the equaliser away to Lyon before winning the penalty that secured the three points. But Pocognoli praised his work rate.

It helps to explain why there has been such interest in Akliouche. The 24-year-old France international had been linked with a move to Liverpool but Paris Saint-Germain have won the race. Amid a market stacked with talented wingers, he brings something different.

There is the quality, of course. Akliouche has a highlights reel to rival the best of them. Be sure to check out his overhead kick against Rennes last year, a feat of acrobatics as well as technical proficiency. The variety of finishes in his repertoire is remarkable.

Some of them are blasted into the back of the net with surprising force, while there are others - such as his second in a win over Brest - that are dinked over the goalkeeper. Five out of the 18 goals in his Ligue 1 career have been scored with his weaker right foot.

But even rarer than the overhead kicks and the delicate finishes is for this sort of class to go hand in hand with such work ethic. Pocognoli was right to call it atypical. He was just as right to call it modern. Top coaches now demand it and Akliouche delivers.