ASSE made its return to League 1 after two years in the antechamber. Aimen Moueffek (ASSE) was one of the great architects of this comeback with a good 2023-2024 season. However, he has been down for a few games where he has been below his level. What's the problem?
A child from ASSE
Aimen Moueffek is one of the most promising talents at AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE), and his journey perfectly embodies the notion of work, determination and resilience. Born on April 9, 2001 in Vénissieux, in the suburbs of Lyon, this Franco-Moroccan midfielder rose through the ranks with impressive serenity and maturity.
At 12, Moueffek joined the ASSE training center, where he quickly established himself as a key player in the youth teams. His play in midfield, his vision of the game and his ability to recover balls make him a versatile player, capable of playing both as a relay midfielder and in more defensive positions. These qualities, combined with a mental steel, allowed him to make his debut in Ligue 1 during the 2020-2021 season.
Despite his young age, Moueffek impresses with his generosity on the pitch. His commitment to ASSE remains exemplary. However, like any young player, Aimen Moueffek has also had difficult times, particularly with injuries which have hampered his progress. However, he always knew how to come back with the same determination, demonstrating an ability to bounce back in the face of adversity.
Beyond the field, Moueffek stands out for his simplicity and humility. Attached to his roots and his family, he embodies the values of work and solidarity dear to ASSE. With a promising future ahead of him, Aimen Moueffek chose to stay with his training club last summer for 4 additional seasons. A mark of mutual trust which delighted the supporters.
A delicate start to the season in Ligue 1
The love story between Moueffek and ASSE therefore opens a new chapter in its history. The lights were all green before his old demons caught up with him. An injury contracted during summer preparation after only a week spoils his start to the season. Indeed, the 23-year-old player will be away from the field until the end of August with his return to the field against Stade Brestois (0-4).
ASSE takes advantage of Aimen Moueffek's first start to score its first victory of the season. The match against Lille (1-0) sounded like a turning point and the return of Aimen Moueffek was no stranger to it. The Moroccan international hopeful has made five starts (2 wins, a draw and 2 defeats). The machine seems to be launched but the performances are up and down, just like his midfield partner Mathis Amougou.
At the same time, entrants Louis Mouton and Benjamin Bouchouari display an attractive face when they enter. Olivier Dall'Oglio therefore decides to start both players and Aimen Moueffek plays four matches in the role of replacement. His entries are delicate, like this weekend against Montpellier where he was in difficulty.
In 12 days, he was available to play 10. The player has accumulated 453 minutes of play out of the 900 possible. In other words, he plays about 50% of the possible minutes. ASSE needs a sharper Moueffek, especially in a midfield where he appears to be the most experienced player used. Indeed, Lamine Fomba, Florian Tardieu and Thomas Monconduit have relatively little playing time.
An ability to bounce back?
Is Aimen Moueffek able to bounce back? The player has above-average natural physical qualities. Thus, he needs to be at his best physically to be able to fully express his potential. Without this, it can appear messy, less sharp and therefore less efficient. In recent weeks, given his truncated preparation, he seems to be fishing in this sector.
Also, the player must digest his contract extension and assume the status that this contract is incumbent upon him. Planned as an important piece in the Kilmer project, he will have to return to his standards in the weeks to come. There is no doubt that this characterful player will do what is necessary to respond to the trust that all the green people place in him.
