Maghnès Akliouche criticised after France camp setback

Maghnès Akliouche’s unexpected France opportunity has ended in disappointment, leaving the 24-year-old winger under pressure to respond at Paris Saint-Germain. He entered the Nations League group after Warren Zaïre-Emery, his PSG team-mate, was injured and withdrew from the squad.

Akliouche started both matches against Belgium but did not convince during the international gathering. His performances drew sharp criticism from journalists Daniel Riolo and Pierre Ménès, who argued that he is still being judged as a teenage prospect despite now being 24. They also questioned his influence, creativity and ability to change the pace of a match.

The criticism increases the importance of his next opportunities with PSG. Akliouche joined the club from Monaco and remains a France-Algeria dual national, but his place in Luis Enrique’s plans is not secure. The midfielder must raise his level when selected if he is to turn his international setback into progress at club level.

His next possible chance could come against Le Mans on Saturday, when PSG host their opponent in the sixth round of Ligue 1. After failing to make an impact with France, Akliouche returns to Paris needing a stronger display to rebuild momentum.