Players to watch out for in Europe in 2025

Maghnes Akliouche

Club: Monaco Age: 22 Nationality: French Position: Winger

Laurens: “He caught the eye of a lot of people. I was at France v Austria under-21s recently and all the scouts were there for him, German and English. He is 23 in February, made his debut at 18.

“Against PSG in Ligue 1 the other week he was outstanding. Paris born and bred. That left foot and vision, and energy – he never stops running, wonderful on the right-hand side. Assisting, creative, outstanding to see him playing in the Champions League.

“It is about making the right decision for the next club, because that step up depends very much where you go. A lot of young players make the wrong decision. Thierry Henry is a big fan – he coached him at the Olympics. Gael Clichy, the under-21s coach, also massively rates him.

“I would not be surprised in March if he is in the France squad for the Nations League. Spain he would do well, but the Premier League is where the money is and where football suits him the most. He would do so well with his fitness level, especially at a really good team.”