Algeria – Here’s why Youcef Belaïli was left out

Algeria: The real reason for Youcef Belaili's exclusion revealed

Africa 08 November 2025 at 04:44

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Algeria – Here’s why Youcef Belaïli was left out

The absence of Youcef Belaïli from the squad revealed by Vladimir Petkovic for the November friendlies continues to make headlines. The national coach has chosen to omit the Espérance de Tunis winger for the matches against Zimbabwe (November 13) and Saudi Arabia (November 18), a decision that is sparking debate and questions as the 2025 AFCON approaches.

A purely tactical decision

According to information from La Gazette du Fennec, Petkovic’s decision is above all explained by technical and tactical considerations. The Bosnian coach is unwilling to adapt his game system to the attacking characteristics of the Oran-born player, who is known for his undeniable talent but also for his lack of defensive commitment. In Tunis, Espérance’s staff often adjusted their setup to give him total freedom in the final third—a flexibility Petkovic does not intend to offer.

The coach prefers to rely on more disciplined profiles who can fully integrate into his collective pressing. Furthermore, managing Belaïli’s temperament is an issue. The forward struggles with being benched and has found it difficult to secure his place in the squad since Petkovic’s arrival, tallying just 171 minutes of play under his management.

Rather than risk destabilizing the squad’s balance, the coach made his decision: Belaïli will stay home, at least for this camp. Whether this decision will extend to the AFCON in Morocco remains to be seen, but that scenario now seems increasingly likely.