Paul Pogba was seen praising Monaco debutant Ansu Fati after the forward came off the bench to score twice and inspire a 5-2 comeback win against Metz in Ligue 1. The French midfielder told Fati he had foreseen his impact as a super sub, with the attacker joking that Pogba must have magical powers.

Monaco coach Adi Hutter believes Paul Pogba is getting closer to full fitness and is progressing well with the training regimen put in place. The Austrian coach reported that Pogba is doing well both physically and mentally, but he will not rush him into the squad merely to bolster numbers, despite the club facing an injury crisis.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has decided to defer the activation of the €11 million option to make Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent. The Spanish forward has been in fine form since joining the Ligue 1 side on loan, but Scuro emphasised that he must first be provided with the right conditions to develop into an important and consistent player before any transfer decision is made.

Ansu Fati’s explosive start to life at Monaco has reignited hopes of a Spain comeback. The Barcelona loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting six goals in five games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has now confirmed that the 22-year-old forward is “on their radar” ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Once hailed as Lionel Messi's heir, Ansu Fati's promising career was derailed by injury setbacks and uncertain loan spells, but the Spanish prodigy has finally found his fire again at Monaco. His electrifying resurgence is cemented by breaking a decades-old Ligue 1 scoring record, as he became the fastest player to reach five goals.