Algeria - 2026 World Cup: "Mahrez has less stamina," Karim Matmour is adamant

Algeria: Karim Matmour analyzes Riyad Mahrez's role

Africa Today at 11:15

Despite the resounding victory secured against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, some of Vladimir Petkovic’s tactical decisions continue to spark debate. Karim Matmour, in particular, delivered a strong opinion on Riyad Mahrez and the Algerian midfield.

Despite the prestigious win over the Netherlands (1-0) in Rotterdam, some of Vladimir Petkovic’s choices are still fueling discussion around the Algerian national team. Former Algeria international Karim Matmour shared his analysis after the match.

Appearing on the After RMC show, the ex-Greens forward was reserved about pairing certain players in midfield.

"Starting Bentaleb and Zerrouki together doesn’t work for me because they have quite similar profiles; there wouldn’t be enough movement," he observed.

Karim Matmour also touched on the case of team captain Riyad Mahrez, who was substituted during the match by Anis Hadj Moussa—the scorer of the winning goal.

"Mahrez has less stamina, he no longer drives forward with the ball as much. He has a different style of play that could be more effective if Petkovic uses him differently than just on the right wing," he explained.

🎤 Karim Matmour 🇩🇿 :

"Starting Bentaleb and Zerrouki together doesn’t work for me because they have quite similar profiles; there wouldn’t be enough movement.

Mahrez has less stamina, he no longer drives forward with the ball as much.
He has a different style of play that could be more effective if Petkovic… pic.twitter.com/hSSmxUIHG5
— JDZ Football (@JDZFootball) June 5, 2026