The Academy plays a big role against Cercle
They are out in force at the start of the preseason! Already numerous in filling out the ranks of the Rouge et Blanc since the start of the preseason, the young talents from the Academy were a big part of the friendly between AS Monaco and Cercle Bruges (1-0). Ten players from La Diagonale were thus on the team sheet Saturday morning, at La Turbie.
🔴⚪️ The Rouge et Blanc won against their sister club from Bruges at La Turbie, in the first friendly of the preseason.
1⃣ – 0⃣ 👉 https://t.co/QidHK23vY1 pic.twitter.com/MBqJLgLanL
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) June 25, 2022
A first with the pros for Efekele
Five youngsters would wear the colors of the Principality club. Félix Lemarechal, who has already had a preseason with the first team last summer, before making his appearance in the top flight against OL, was even a starter in midfield alongside Youssouf Fofana. He distinguished himself by being very active in midfield, even trying his luck from distance in the 30th minute. Meanwhile, Yllan Okou, who appeared last January in the Coupe de France against Quevilly, Tiago Ribeiro, came into play against Montpellier in Ligue 1, Eric Ayiah and a finalist for the U-19s, Malamine Efekele, took part in the second half.
Enzo Couto: an impressive display
On the Cercle side, there were also five former AS Monaco Academy players who would wear green and black. Lithuanian international Edgaras Utkus was transferred from AS Monaco last year and lined up on the right of the Bruges defense at kick-off. Then, Louis Torres and Salatiel Decarpentrie, who had started preseason with Dominik Thalhammer’s side, appeared in the second half. Finally, the central defender from the Monegasque U19s, Enzo Couto was the author of a fine header saved by Radoslaw Majecki at a corner (84′), as well as Soungoutou Magassa, also played their part in reinforcing the Belgian squad, in the absence of several regulars.
🎬 @philippe_clemnt | "We did a good job this week, and I'm satisfied." 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/Q35AOyCP2d
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) June 26, 2022
Close links between the two clubs
The latter were in any case able to show their qualities, under the eyes of Pascal De Maesschalck, the Club’s Director of Young Player Development, Sébastien Muet, Director of the Academy, as well as in front of their trainer and U19 coach, Frédéric Barilaro. But it was more than just a showcase for the academy, as this match also confirmed the links that exists between La Diagonale and the first team, as well as between the Club and Cercle, synergies which are obviously intended to be continued in the future. Bravo to these youngsters!
