Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho contributed two assists as AS Monaco bested Stade de Reims on Sunday, but will he contribute enough between now and the end of the season to see the Club of the Principality into the Champions League spots?
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To say that Moutinho’s time with Monaco has been a disappointment would be an understatement.
The FC Porto man arrived at the club along with Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez as one of three Galacticos bought to the club in the summer of 2013.
While Falcao and James have departed to endure their own torments elsewhere, Moutinho remained, only to become one of the biggest enigmas in the French top flight.
Last season, his contribution was limited. He managed only one goal and contributed a mere eight assists in 31 matches.
This term, his contribution has been worse. By the beginning of March, he had managed only two goals and had contributed a single assist for his teammates.
However, there have been indications that things are improving.
He was in sublime form against Arsenal in the Champions League, emerging as one of the stars of the first-leg triumph with a delightful assist at the Emirates Stadium.
Moutinho demonstrated his class again this weekend against Reims, contributing two assists as Leonardo Jardim’s side registered a 3-1 victory.
Will these improved contributions prove to be a false dawn for this most talented of midfield operators, or has the Portugal international finally turned the corner at the Stade Louis II?