Filipe Luís hails Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara as ‘the future of football’

AS Monaco manager Filipe Luís has praised Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara, describing the former Chelsea target as a player who represents the future of football.

Monaco retained the 22-year-old this summer despite strong interest from Chelsea, with a proposed move to the Premier League club collapsing in the final minutes of the transfer window.

Camara has since said he has “put behind him” the disappointment of the failed transfer, allowing him to focus on his development with Monaco.

Filipe Luís impressed by Camara

Luís has been a major admirer of Camara’s qualities and previously admitted he had “never seen anything like it in my twenty-year career” after Monaco’s 1-0 victory at Le Havre in late August.

The Brazilian coach believes the Senegal international possesses a profile that could become increasingly common at the highest level of the game.

“In twenty years’ time, we may well see plenty of players like him,” Luís explained in an interview with L’Équipe. “He can run a marathon, play for ninety minutes without ever letting up, whilst playing football. He embodies the future of the game.”

Camara’s stamina, intensity and ability to maintain his level throughout matches have made a strong impression on his manager.

Senegal academy product continues to rise

Camara began his football education at Génération Foot, the renowned Senegalese academy that has produced a number of top-level players.

He moved to France through FC Metz, who have a partnership with the Dakar-based academy, before joining Monaco in 2024.

Since arriving on the Rock, the Diouloulou-born midfielder has continued to develop and establish himself among the leading midfielders in the French league.

His progress has also attracted attention beyond France, with Chelsea among the clubs that explored the possibility of signing him during the summer transfer window.

For now, however, Camara remains at Monaco, where Luís believes his combination of physical endurance and technical ability could make him a model for the next generation of elite midfielde