AS Monaco to innovate to counter Lamine Yamal's influence

Today at 01:31 PM

In an attempt to mitigate Lamine Yamal’s influence on proceedings, Adi Hütter is expected to innovate as AS Monaco prepare to face Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League opener. 

Ordinarily, it would be expected that Caio Henrique would line-up at left-back, or failing that, the inexperienced Kassoum Ouattara. However, L’Équipe understands that neither Henrique nor Ouattara will start against Barcelona. Instead, it is now expected that Vanderson, a right-back, will switch flanks, in a move that seeks to limit Yamal’s impact on proceedings at the Stade Louis II. 

Vanderson is a more defensive profile, compared to Henrique and Ouattara. Wilfried Singo is likely to replace Vanderson at right-back. In another surprise, Aleksandr Golovin could also miss out for the Principality club with Eliesse Ben Seghir expected to start in his place. Breel Embolo will likely get the nod ahead of Folarin Balogun up-front, whilst Lamine Camara, injured over the weekend, is also expected to start.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle