Anis Haj Moussa and Mohamed Bashir Blomi are competing to succeed legend Riyad Mahrez as Algeria's right winger. The competition follows Mahrez's international retirement after Algeria's round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Switzerland.
Anis Haj Moussa, aged 24, currently plays for Feyenoord in the Netherlands. The player said: "The 24-year-old player is delivering good performances in the right winger position with his Dutch team Feyenoord." Haj Moussa has scored 30 goals and provided 13 assists in 90 appearances for his club, and he brings international experience with 18 caps and two goals for the national team.
On the other hand, Mohamed Bashir Blomi, son of legend Lakhdar Belloumi, is shining with English club Hull City. Bashir Blomi said: "Blomi, son of the legend Lakhdar Belloumi, is armed with his notable brilliance in the English league with Hull City's shirt." Blomi has scored two goals and provided two assists in the league this season, but he is yet to make an official senior appearance for Algeria.
This competition comes as Algeria sits third in World Cup qualifying with four points from three games.
The team is currently managing injuries to players like Yassine Titraoui and Farès Chaïbi, which could open a door for one of the contenders to feature in the next squad. The battle for the number 7 jersey, once worn by Mahrez, appears difficult and awaits a decision from the technical staff.
This story first appeared at إرم نيوز
