Kehrer, Zakaria, Akliouche… The key men of a team that stands out in Europe

Adi Hütter could hardly have hoped for better for his second season in the principality. The Austrian coach has built a formidable AS Monaco, both in Ligue 1 where it is runner-up to PSG, and in the Champions League where it is undefeated (3 wins, one draw) and is beginning to believe in the top 8, synonymous with direct access to the round of 16. To achieve such feats, ASM relied in particular on three strong men, expected at the turning point against the Lisbon club Benfica this Wednesday (9 p.m.).

Kehrer, reliability in defense

In France, he was left with a failure at Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent four years without ever winning (2018-2022). Relaunched at West Ham where he was losing momentum at the end of 2023, Thilo Kehrer was loaned to Monaco last January, then bought for €11 million. It is now part of the furniture. “I know what position I want to play, it’s no longer lateral even if that can happen”explained the man who sees himself above all as a central defender, in the podcast “Zack en Roue Libre” on YouTube and Twitch.

Hütter shares his opinion and only aligns him in the axis of defense, in a 4-2-3-1 system. In fact, Kehrer is even his favorite: no Monegasque has played more this season (1,260 minutes out of a possible 1,440). The German international (27 selections) is the reliability man of the ASM. He feels “at a good level, not yet” at his best, even if he looks like it. “I found a lot of reference points with those around me”he justifies.

He put “several years” to create this cocoon, which includes a physical trainer and a chiropractor, to “be in top shape physically and mentally”. There is also age and experience. Kehrer, 28 years old and multilingual (he speaks French, English and German perfectly), is one of Monaco's vice-captains. “I have been captain in the past and it has always been something natural because of my personality on the pitch. Thanks to my training and my position, I learned that communication is important, that goes with it.”

Zakaria, the discreet master of the environment

On social networks, supporters of the Rouge et Blanc are tearing their hair out. They wonder why Denis Zakaria's name is not on everyone's lips, why he is not named among the best players of the month in Ligue 1? The Swiss midfielder (28 years old) is as efficient as he is discreet. You have to tune in to the ASM matches, whether they are against Lens (September 1, 1-1), Barcelona (September 19, 2-1) or Montpellier (September 28, 2-1) to understand your importance.

Coincidence or not: Monaco's only two defeats this season took place when he was injured, in Nice (2-1) and against Angers (0-1). Zakaria, both sentinel and torchbearer, has the complete baggage, at the same time tall (1.90 m), strong in duels, enduring, technically comfortable and often well placed. With the departures of Youssouf Fofana and Wissam Ben Yedder this summer, he regained the captain's armband. “A privilege” in his eyes.

I am a rather calm captain by nature. On the pitch, I try to help the team which is quite young.

Denis Zakaria, midfielder and captain of AS Monaco.

Like Kehrer, the player who played for Chelsea, Juventus and Mönchengladbach speaks French, English and German. Precious in a cosmopolitan wardrobe. “I am a rather calm captain by nature. On the pitch, I try to help the team which is quite young. I don’t have much to do, they already do things very well”modestly described the person concerned. Leadership that fits perfectly with others.

Akliouche, the offensive spark

When Zakaria describes the Monaco team as “young”he is thinking, among others, of Maghnes Akliouche, 22, who became a starter at the start of 2024. “He’s getting better every day, loue Zakaria. He's a different player compared to the start of last season. Before, he was a bit of a “kid”. He has matured. In his game, he often makes the right choices. He’s really a very, very great player.” Kehrer agrees: “He’s a humble guy who works hard.”

Positioned on the right wing, Akliouche is the link between the midfield and the attack. He brings this spark, this difference with the ball and this reading of the game in the last meters. “When I arrived you could see it was a talent, but when you play in an offensive position you have to have numbers”underlined Hütter. To which the left-hander responds: 4 goals and 4 assists this season. No one does better at ASM.

SEE ALSO – All the goals from Monaco's victory against Brest on November 22 (3-2)

In a clash between Champions League teams against Brest last Friday, Akliouche scored a double (3-2 victory). Enough to earn him the qualifier of“example” by his coach, and even “international player”. Which he isn't…yet. Silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the native of Tremblay-en-France (Seine-Saint-Denis) is a Bleuets executive. At the rate he and Monaco are going, Didier Deschamps will soon have to consider him as an option.