Aleksandr Golovin scored twice and assisted one more as AS Monaco beat OGC Nice 3-1 for their first win of the season, but the Russia midfielder insists that the team comes first.
Golovin lit up the FIFA World Cup in Russia last year, helping the hosts reach the quarter-finals with a goal and two assists. The 23-year-old was subsequently linked with Chelsea and Juventus, but plumped instead for a move to Monaco.
Clicking into gear?
His first season in the principality was solid rather than electric, with three goals and three assists in 30 appearances as the 2017 French champions avoided relegation by three points, and he was yet to get off the mark this term.
That all changed on Tuesday at the Stade Louis II, though, the Golovin smashing home the opener left-footed, lifting the ball over Walter Benitez right-footed for 2-1 and then laying on the winner for Wissam Ben Yedder late on.
"I want to repeat that the team is the most important thing," Golovin saif in the mixed zone after his starring role. "I don't care about my goals, that's not essential. Above all, we have to put Monaco back towards the top of the table. I feel comfortable in midfield. I can impose my game and help my teammates."
Midfield maestros
Playing beside Cesc Fabregas and Tiémoué Bakayoko in a three-man midfield, Golovin was certainly able to impose his game - something Nice coach Patrick Vieira also highlighted.
"We came up against a team that wanted to bounce back and show that they had good players," said the Arsenal and France legend, who knew a thing or two about dominating games from the middle of the park. "I could've made better substitutions. Golovin had a great match. I could've strengthened my midfield against him."
Monaco only have three days of rest before welcoming Stade Brestois 29 to the Stade Louis II on Saturday, but expect Golovin to start, 100 per cent match fit or not.