Eliesse Ben Seghir’s promising trajectory has taken a downturn in recent weeks, with the young midfielder struggling for regular game time at AS Monaco while also failing to impress on international duty with Morocco.
Once seen as a rising star for both club and country, the 19-year-old now finds himself facing a critical test in his development.
Reduced Playing Time at Monaco
Ben Seghir’s role at Monaco has diminished significantly, starting only three of the club’s last eight Ligue 1 matches.
Head coach Adi Hütter has been cautious in managing the youngster’s progress, warning against placing excessive expectations on a player still in the early stages of his career.
“The expectations around him are sometimes too high. We have to be careful. This is his first injury-free season, and he’s only 20 years old,” Hütter explained, underlining the need for patience.
The Austrian manager also made it clear that selection is based on merit rather than reputation. “If a player plays less, it’s because he’s playing less well. Complaining is pointless.
Perform well, and we’ll see,” he stated, emphasizing the competitive nature of the squad.
Disappointing International Break
Ben Seghir’s struggles have extended to the Moroccan national team, where he failed to make an impact during the recent international break.
In Morocco’s 2-1 victory over Niger, his performance was below expectations, and his substitution proved decisive as Ismael Saibari, who replaced him, played a key role in securing the win.
As a result, head coach Walid Regragui left him on the bench for the next match against Tanzania, sending a strong message about the fierce competition within the squad.
A Crucial Period Ahead
Despite his recent difficulties, there is no questioning Ben Seghir’s talent. However, both at Monaco and with Morocco, he will need to prove himself again to earn his place.
The challenge now is clear—he must raise his level to reclaim the opportunities that once seemed assured.
