Algeria: Belloumi vs Hadj Moussa, the battle for the post-Mahrez era is underway!

Bachir Belloumi and Anis Hadj Moussa are shining for their clubs and have reignited an exciting debate over Riyad Mahrez's succession.

For nearly a decade, there was not even a question. On the right side of Algeria's attack, Riyad Mahrez had practically established a monopoly, and no one could seriously challenge him for it. Captain, technical leader and one of the most prominent figures in the recent history of the Fennecs, the 2019 African champion closed his international chapter after the 2026 World Cup with 119 caps and 40 goals.

His departure inevitably left a void. Not just that of a starter, but that of a player around whom an entire attacking unit had come to be organized. Initially, Anis Hadj Moussa appeared to be the most obvious successor. A similar profile as a left-footed winger starting from the right, with a taste for one-on-ones, the ability to beat opponents and cut inside: everything seemed to naturally make him the continuation of that role.

But within a few weeks, the picture changed. And another name emerged forcefully: Mohamed Bachir Belloumi.

Belloumi has completely reshuffled the deck

The Hull City player's start to the season has left no one indifferent. In his first taste of the Premier League, Belloumi already has 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 appearances. Five direct contributions in just six matchdays, including a brace against Chelsea followed by another goal against Everton. Those figures already place him among his team's most decisive players.

His impressive run of form in recent weeks did not stop with Hull. For Brahim Hemdani's first international camp, Belloumi started two of Algeria's three matches, against Zambia and then Burundi. Against Niger, he came on in the 40th minute to replace Ibrahim Maza, who went off injured.

And above all, he delivered. Hull's number 10 scored two goals during the camp: one against Burundi in the 2-2 draw, followed by a superb free kick against Niger in the 2-1 victory. Two goals in three matches that inevitably strengthened his case with the new head coach.

At 24, Belloumi is therefore no longer merely an alternative. He has become a very serious candidate for the position, to the point that his market value recently soared on the back of his performances in England and with the Fennecs.

Hadj Moussa is losing ground… but certainly not out of the race

It would nevertheless be a mistake to think that Anis Hadj Moussa has disappeared from the debate. Quite the contrary. The Feyenoord player is also going through a remarkable spell at club level. In the Eredivisie, he currently has 5 goals and 1 assist in 7 matches, having notably scored four goals across two consecutive games in September.

And on Wednesday evening, he once again showcased all his talent in the Champions League against Como. A scorer in Feyenoord's 3-2 victory, Hadj Moussa was also involved in the Dutch side's third goal, which was ultimately recorded as an own goal. He was logically named man of the match after a performance in which his direct running and ability to create danger caused major problems for the Italian defence.

His most recent international camp with Algeria must also be viewed in context. Hadj Moussa played only around 20 minutes against Zambia, but that was enough for him to score the Fennecs' third goal. Left on the bench against Burundi, he was then released from the camp on October 2 after picking up a minor injury against the Zambians. He therefore did not take part in the friendly against Niger.

In other words, while Brahim Hemdani used Belloumi more during this international window, the hierarchy was not necessarily decided solely on technical criteria. Hadj Moussa's physical condition inevitably played a part.

A real luxury problem for Brahim Hemdani

A few weeks after Mahrez's departure, Algeria therefore finds itself with two 24-year-old, left-footed right wingers who are decisive and improving rapidly. Belloumi is making his mark in the Premier League and immediately met expectations with the national team. Hadj Moussa, meanwhile, continues to make a difference in the Netherlands and has just shone again on the European stage.

Riyad Mahrez's succession was one of Brahim Hemdani's major challenges. A few weeks later, the head coach already has two credible answers, but must now decide how to rank them or possibly how to make them coexist.

Belloumi appears to have gained a slight advantage thanks to his latest camp with the Fennecs. Hadj Moussa, meanwhile, has too much talent and is in too strong a run of form to be relegated to the background. The competition therefore promises to be a long one, and likely to shift as the matches go by.

After years in which Riyad Mahrez made the debate almost unnecessary, the question of his heir is finally open. And given Belloumi and Hadj Moussa's current level, it is above all a luxury problem that Algeria would be wrong to complain about.

Read also: Algeria: “I would have needed an additional week of rest,” Amin Chiakha defends himself!

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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