Sébastien Pocognoli has had a turbulent start to his tenure at Monaco. George Ilenikhena thought he would benefit from his arrival, but did not get many more minutes.
Krépin Diatta is not the only former Jupiler Pro League player in the selection Monaco. George Ilenikhena is also trying to take his place in the attacking compartment. Antwerp is still happy every day with the added value that has been created from his transfer.
However, the Great Old needed courage to pick him up for six million from Amiens, while he had only just turned professional and was not yet 17 years old. His many decisive substitute appearances (including the one against FC Barcelona in the Champions League) have made an impression.
Luxury substitute, with less success than in Belgium
A year later, Monaco put almost 18 million on the table. So expectations are higher. But his status appears to have remained the same: just six starts in Ligue 1 last season, two this season. The arrival of Sébastien Pocognoli has not changed much in his situation.
Mika Bereth and Folarin Balogun are preferred over him. His only starting place since the change of coach? During the 4-1 defeat in Rennes, he was one of the first to be substituted. With a contract until June 2029, Ilenikhena still has time. After all, he is only 19 years old.
But a departure is being mentioned more and more often. According to The Team Eintracht Frankfurt would be interested in giving him another chance in January. Although George Ilenikhena is a precocious talent, one should not confuse speed with haste.
