Ben Yedder in terrific form as Monaco chases PSG

Wissam Ben Yedder’s disappointment over missing the World Cup was so big that his current scoring form for Monaco has taken many by surprise.

After an uninspired start to the season, the striker peaked at the right time last year and hoped that France coach Didier Deschamps would notice. But despite being a regular with Les Bleus for the past two years, Ben Yedder was not included in the squad for the tournament in Qatar.

At 32, Ben Yedder’s chance to feature on the world’s biggest stage was likely gone for good.

The diminutive forward with excellent finishing skills had repeatedly spoken about his “dream” to play at the World Cup, so few imagined that Ben Yedder could bounce back so quickly from the pain of being left out.

One of those few was Philippe Clément.

Soon after Deschamps’ list was announced, the Monaco coach said Ben Yedder was obviously upset, but insisted that his player was not “a kid,” and would soon put the disappointment aside.

He was right.

Since the league resumed at the end of December following France’s runner-up finish at the World Cup, the former Toulouse and Sevilla forward has scored eight goals, embodying Monaco’s resurgence as the club bids for a Champions League berth.