Ghanaian international Mohammed Salisu has praised George Ilenikhena, Monaco’s new Nigerian signing, as a highly talented player with the potential to make a significant impact at the French club, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, Salisu believes that the young striker, who joined Monaco this summer from Belgian side Royal Antwerp, will need support to fully unlock his potential.
Ilenikhena, who holds a French passport, made headlines last season as the second youngest scorer in UEFA Champions League history.
The Lagos-born forward found the net in Antwerp’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Barcelona on the final day of the group stage, etching his name in the tournament’s history books. His feat places him behind only Ansu Fati and ahead of Antonio Nusa in the record for youngest scorers in the competition.
After spending just one year at Antwerp, where he moved from French club Amiens, Ilenikhena has returned to French football with a reputation for breaking records.
During his time in Belgium, he netted 17 goals in 50 appearances to highlight his remarkable goalscoring talent.
At just 17 years old, Ilenikhena already has notable achievements, including becoming the youngest scorer in Ligue 2 history when he scored for Amiens against Bordeaux in January 2023.
Monaco invested €17 million to secure the young striker’s services, and as he approaches his 18th birthday, the club hopes he will continue his record-breaking form.
Ilenikhena has already made an impressive start at Monaco, scoring in consecutive pre-season friendlies against Feyenoord and Genoa.
With Monaco set to face Barcelona in their final pre-season match, Salisu is confident that Ilenikhena will thrive at the club, provided he receives the necessary guidance and support from his teammates and coaches.
“He (Ilenikhena) is a great player, coming off a great season in Belgium,” Salisu told Mundo Deportivo.
“He scored on his debut and I am sure he will contribute a lot. We have to help him, because he is young. We have to motivate him and guide him in the right direction.”
Monaco’s Ligue 1 campaign begins on August 17 against newly promoted Saint Etienne.
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