the great metamorphosis of Thilo Kehrer

Angry fists. Surrounded by Breel Embolo then all of his teammates, Thilo Kehrer has just scored in the 87th minute as a surface fox the only goal of the Monegasque victory on the Bologna pitch in the Champions League. With 10 points on the clock and even if it is still too early to announce it officially, ASM is almost assured of its qualification for at least the round of 16 of the competition. “ The goal? I was told: “Pippo Inzaghi style”, but I don't think I'm there in terms of feeling where the ball can arrive. I was in a good place and I was successful », joked the hero of the evening.

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In reality, this goal is quite symbolic for the captain of the evening who has had a string of great performances since he set down his bags on the Rock. There was, however, reason to be skeptical. His years at PSG went by and brought with them their share of bad memories. In 4 seasons at PSG (2018-2022), the German has above all left a bitter taste, that of a defender who is too cowardly, tender, versatile, but without a real strong position in which to settle. He was younger too (not yet 22) and the weight of a €37 million transfer to a major club was enough to impress. Holder at the right-back position during the Final 8, we find him today in the central hinge and with astonishing serenity.

He is stationed in central defense

In the meantime, he left for West Ham where he blew hot and cold. Despite a victory in the Europa Conference League, Kehrer gradually lost his place in the eleven before being put on the bench from the summer of 2023. Monaco smelled the right move and decided to revive him ( loan with option to purchase) in a championship that he already knows well. After hesitant first matches, some of which were at right back, the Tübingen native became more consistent from spring onwards. Experienced (28 years old, 2nd oldest player in the squad after Minamino) and polyglot (he is able to express himself in 7 languages!), he made his place in the locker room and convinced Monaco to keep him.

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Having started 8 times in Ligue 1 (in 10 matches) and 4 times in the Champions League, Kehrer also settled on a position, in central defense. “ He can play left and right axial, but also in the center of a three-way defense. He is very good with both feet […] but it's not a piston. He can play this position, but I prefer him in defense », assured Adi Hütter on this subject when signing the player, which the person concerned had also confirmed. “ The best position for me is central defender. In a four-man defense, it would be at both positions. In a three-man defense, it doesn't make much difference. I perhaps have a slight preference for playing on the right and in the center. »

Adi Hütter's most used player

Even if he did not convince Julian Nagelsmann to call him up for the November break, the German international (27 caps) is the player most used in the squad by Hütter, goalkeepers combined. Associated with Singo and Salisu or Mawissa in a three to four rearguard, the vice-captain shows different qualities from his teammates, less in the duel, more in anticipation and ensures the recovery in the most impermeable defense of Ligue 1 (7 goals conceded, tied with Lens). Better yet, and proof of his contribution in both penalty areas, he has already scored 3 goals this season in all competitions, including the first of his career in the Champions League.

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« What if I hoped for it? Not necessarily, but what's funny is that these last two days, I was imagining the man of the match trophy. But to have him as a defender I think you need an extraordinary goal or performance. It sure is Nice “, he assured Tuesday evening in Bologna. It is now a question of redressing the bar in the championship where the Prince club remains on two defeats in a row in Nice and against Angers. The trip to Strasbourg (Saturday at 7 p.m.), a team in good form at the start of the season, does not look easy. “ We must continue and not give up », warned Kehrer who aims to prolong this beautiful week and his state of grace.