AS Monaco returned to third place in the Ligue 1 table on Sunday following a convincing 3-0 away victory against strugglers Racing Club de Lens, inspired by playmaker Joao Moutinho.
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Monaco had dropped to fourth place earlier in the day following AS Saint-Etienne’s triumph over Montpellier Herault Sport Club, but they returned to the podium after goals from Bernardo Silva, Anthony Martial and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco.
While the club’s young players stole the plaudits, Joao Moutinho was influential in the heart of midfield for the Club of the Principality, reminding spectators why the club were so desperate to make him one of their Galacticos in 2013.
Moutinho’s technical proficiency and his exceptional positioning eased the pressure on the Monegasques’ defence when Lens pushed forward, and ensured that Leonardo Jardim’s side were able to launch forward in devastating counterattacks when the opportunity presented itself.
The youngsters were outstanding, but they had the perfect playmaker amongst them as Moutinho—stationed as a No.10 in between the Brazilian and the Belgian, perfectly orchestrated those around him.