Rayan Cherki, Maghnès Akliouche, Adil Aouchiche, Mitchell Weiser, Carlo Boukhalfa or even Rayan Benkara… In 2025, beautiful names could officially join Algeria, ready to start a small revolution with its dual nationals.
Rayan Cherki (Lyon) & Maghnès Akliouche (AS Monaco)
This would be the ultimate consecration for the Algerians in 2025. Seeing two cracks such as Rayan Cherki and Maghnès Akliouche land with the Fennecs could revolutionize the offensive sector of Vladimir Petkovic's gang. The two nuggets are among the best prospects in Ligue 1 and are faced with a difficult choice. On the one hand the team of Francewho extends his arms to the two Franco-Algerians. Everyone had their chance in the France Espoirs team, is a key element and took part in the Olympic adventure last summer.
The links are therefore close between France, Rayan Cherki and Maghnès Akliouche. But until when are the two friends supposed to bide their time in A? While the Blues attack was at half mast during the last rallies of the year, neither had a chance. If Didier Deschamps has plenty of time to call them – where he did not do so when Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement and Kylian Mbappé had paused the selection, this situation nonetheless represents an opportunity for the 'Algeria, which still has hope. And some are pushing for the two young people to do the “choice of the heart“, as recently explained Ryad Boudebouz.
Adil Aouchiche (Sunderland)
While he had experienced a period of scarcity between August and November (0 matches in his new club), the old Parisian titi seems to be returning to its best level. Tested by Régis Le Bris at the start of the month, he played the last four Championship matches with his team. A great fortnight where the Franco-Algerian ended the year in style, without being decisive.
But there is no small victory, for him or for Algeria. The Fennecs could work on the file to strengthen their offensive pool. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been eligible since July after the FAF received the nod from FIFA for him to join Algeria. His lack of playing time could not have allowed him to be called up by Vladimir Petkovic. Now a question of time?
Mitchell Weiser (Werder Bremen)
The right side born in Germany could soon join the Algerian national team. Born to an Algerian mother, the 29-year-old changed his sporting nationality in the hope of wearing the Fennecs jersey. This season, he shines in the Bundesliga with 14 matches played for two goals and five assists. A performance which earned him the honorary title of “best fullback” during the first half of the season.
While the right-back position remains a weakness for Algeria due to Youcef Atal's recurring injuries, Weiser hopes to convince Petkovic for the next rally. Patient, he showed fair play in November when he reacted to his non-summoning.
Carlo Boukhalfa (St. Pauli)
The midfielder could soon strengthen the ranks of the Algerian national team. At 25, he stands out in the Bundesliga with FC Sankt Pauli, as a starter with already 15 matches to his name this season. He has gained an indisputable place since his return from injury at the end of October, starting 8 consecutive games. Author of his first goal in the elite against Augsburg, he demonstrates qualities of forward projection and a valuable physical impact in duels, assets which could strengthen Algeria's midfield.
Eligible without a complex procedure, Carlo Boukhalfa has never been summoned by Germany and has declared his love for the Fennecs : “Playing for Algeria would be extraordinary. My grandfather would be very proud if I managed to make this dream come true”he confided in December to Hamburger Morgenpost.
Elias Benkara (Borussia Dortmund)
Young defender (17 years old) of 1m93 playing at the Borussia Dortmund academy, Benkara could join Algeria in the coming months, but nothing is sure yet. Although the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has finalized the administrative procedures to formalize its sporting nationality, it favors a patient and measured approach.
Born in 2007 and still under amateur status, the promising defender will only be integrated into Vladimir Petkovic's group after signing his first professional contract, a step considered crucial for his development. This plan from FAF aims to maximize his impact upon his arrival in the first team. Little by little, the Fennec could make its nest and could be one of the discoveries on the Algerian side.
