A new AS Monaco star may have been born as Eliesse Ben Seghir marked his Ligue 1 debut with a fantastic brace, including a late winner, during their clash with Auxerre in the French top flight.
Ben Seghir, of Moroccan descent but a French international at youth level, was introduced at half time for captain Wissam Ben-Yedder, with his side locked at a 1-1 deadlock courtesy of a penalty apiece.
The 17-year-old took just 13 minutes to make his mark on senior club football, latching onto a pass on the left side of the penalty area to fire home and hand his side the lead.
Not a bad way to introduce yourself to Ligue 1! 🌟
17-year-old Eliesse Ben Seghir comes off the bench for Monaco and scores a debut goal to put them ahead 📈 pic.twitter.com/5O9q7YxEdT
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 28, 2022
After being pegged back by the hosts, it looked as though Monaco were heading for more dropped points in Ligue 1, only for the teenager to produce a moment of magic. Cutting in from the left flank on his right foot, he found the corner from all of 25 yards out to hand his side a much needed victory on the road, and ensuring his place in the history books in the process.
58′: ⚽
85′: ⚽Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir has scored twice on his Ligue 1 debut at just 17 years of age! 🤩
Some hit for the second! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/6hKkU8xZGH
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 28, 2022
In doing so, he became the second youngest ever player to score two goals in a Ligue 1 game, following in the footsteps of French legend Thierry Henry. By contrast, current French superstar Kylian Mbappe only managed the feat at the ripe old age of 18 years and three months, though his first goal in Monaco colours came over a year earlier.
🥇 Thierry Henry – 17 years, 255 days
🥈 Eliesse Ben Seghir – 17 years, 315 daysBen Seghir’s debut brace makes him the second-youngest Monaco player to score two goals in a Ligue 1 game.
Keeping good company! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/CFG7kAgqsl
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 28, 2022
It means that Monaco’s reputation for unearthing young gems continues despite the departure of famed head of recruitment Luis Campos, who has since left to join Paris Saint Germain, while it also points to the continuing conveyer belt of talent set to be available to the national team in the years to come.
