Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir Shines for Club and Country, Embraces Moroccan National Team Role

After a difficult last season due to persistent hamstring and shoulder injuries, Eliesse Ben Seghir is stringing together fine performances. He has scored two goals (one against Le Havre AC and one against Rennes) this season and was named Monaco’s player of the month for August. "The coach is trying to help me progress and has set me several objectives, particularly on the defensive side. This is the season where I defend the most by dropping back more. He also wants me to be more decisive, and that goes through the stats," he said at a press conference on the eve of the match against Rennes.

In great form, Ben Seghir is setting goals to achieve this season: "He didn’t want to quantify what he expects from me but personally, I would like to reach the double-double: 10 goals, 10 assists. That hasn’t been done often in Ligue 1. I have the feeling of taking steps forward after a season where I was slowed down by injuries. I have the confidence of the coach and the staff. Today, I play without brakes and I’ll see what it gives."

Ben Seghir is happy to be part of the Moroccan team. "The choice of Morocco did me a lot of good, because it’s complicated to play when there’s an important decision to make. It freed my mind. Whether here at Monaco or in Morocco, I have the coach’s confidence and I joined a semi-finalist team of the World Cup, I’m very happy with this choice. Playing with this selection brings me another tactical aspect since the game in Africa is different from Europe, so my palette is wider," he said.

The 19-year-old player is adapting in good conditions. "I was well received by Achraf Hakimi or Nayef Aguerd in particular and I get along well with everyone. Adi Hütter is very different from Walid Regragui, it’s ideal for progressing, I take everything that’s to be taken. Morocco has incredible fans, we managed to fill a stadium at the Games. Fighting for this country is incredible," he added.