Matthis Abline (23) made his first start since making his move to AS Monaco against RC Lens on Friday night. Whilst the France youth international didn't get on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win over Les Sang et Or, which sent the Principality club top of Ligue 1 heading into the international break, he nonetheless impressed his manager.
Abline was Monaco's marquee signing this summer, however, a gash on the top of his foot, sustained during a pre-season fixture against Coventry City, prevented him from making an immediate impact at the Stade Louis II. He has been gradually reintegrated after missing around a fortnight of high-intensity first-team training, and he made his first start against Lens.
He found the back of the net twice against Yannick Cahuzac 's side, but both times for flagged for offside. He also laid the assist for Paris Brunner 's opener. He dominated Jean-Clair Todibo in the first-half, to the extent that the West Ham United loanee was substituted at half-time. Speaking to Ligue 1 Plus post-match, Filipe Luís was full of praise for the French forward.
"He's a very dangerous player. If the club bought him, it is because they think that he has the potential to be one of the best attackers in the world, and I am more and more happy when I see him working in training, week after week to improve," said Luís.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
