Ali Benarbia: Rachid Ghezzal will bring more to Monaco

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Nov 29, 2017. 11:00

Former Algerian international Ali Benarbia believes Rachid Ghezzal will make a success of his move to Monaco despite seeing little playing time so far this season.

Ghezzal joined Monaco in August after the expiry of his contract at Olympique Lyon, but he has been a peripheral figure at the Ligue 1 champions.

Thus far in 2017/18, the 25-year-old has made just two league starts (plus six appearances as a substitute) and he has also had to endure limited playing time in the UEFA Champions League.

Benarbia, though, believes minor injuries have played a role in Ghezzal’s frustrations and insists he still has a lot more to contribute in the remainder of the season.

"He came on tiptoes because he had a small injury, but I'm sure he'll bring more to AS Monaco during the season,” the former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City player told So Foot.

“The difference ahead is that without the European Cup [Champions League, where Monaco have been eliminated], the playing time will now be more limited.

“In any case, his choice to leave OL [Lyon] for AS Monaco seems to me consistent.

“And it should be known that the absence of support in Monaco, it can to be an advantage: when the club does not go very well, the popular pressure is less important.”

Ghezzal will hope to feature for Monaco when they face Nantes on Wednesday night in a Ligue 1 clash.