The African Street Journal · Algeria
Sport · 2026-10-21

Algeria's Right Wing Crowded with High-Caliber Players

The Algerian national team faces a surplus of talented right wingers, creating a selection dilemma for coaches.

The Algerian national team is experiencing an unprecedented abundance of high-caliber and even world-class players vying for the right-wing position, a situation that has become a significant challenge for any coach. This depth of talent emerged after Riyad Mahrez's departure, a player known for his consistency and lack of injuries, which previously limited opportunities for stars like Adam Ounas and Rachid Ghezzal.

With Mahrez now retired, the position was widely expected to go to Feyenoord's Anis Hadj Moussa. However, Billel Beloumi has emerged as a strong contender, dividing fan opinion between those who favor Hadj Moussa and those who see Beloumi as more effective. Other notable talents include Ilan Kebbal, whose team Paris FC leads the French league, and Badredine Bouanani, who recently scored for Glasgow Rangers. Adam Ounas, excelling in Qatar, also hopes to join the competition.

Adding to the crowded field is the 20-year-old Bodach from Lyon, who displays impressive speed, dribbling, and attacking flair. These players, representing diverse leagues from the Netherlands and Italy to the UK, France, and Qatar, are all eager to play for Algeria. This wealth of talent at right wing contrasts sharply with other positions, such as goalkeeper and defensive midfield, where Algeria reportedly lacks depth, raising concerns about potentially losing these valuable players due to the intense competition for a single spot.

Why it mattersAlgerian football fans are affected by the intense competition for the right-wing position, leading to debates about player selection and potential talent loss.

Echorouk Online
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