National Team Coach Vladimir Petkovic has announced his provisional squad selection, sparking debate among fans. As is often the case, the list has drawn mixed reactions, with some inclusions raising eyebrows. The inclusion of Anthony Mandrea has been a particular point of contention for some supporters.
Defensive Focus: Petkovic has opted for a strong defensive contingent, calling up ten players. Five are central defenders, and five are full-backs. While Youcef Atal’s inclusion may disappoint some fans, Petkovic remains firm in his belief in the player and specifically requested his inclusion for the upcoming matches. The presence of Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Jaouen Hadjam was widely anticipated, and they are expected to play significant roles. Djamel Benlamri’s versatility allows him to cover both left and right-back positions effectively, but his position in the pecking order relative to Atal remains uncertain.
Midfield Concerns: In midfield, Petkovic has selected four defensive midfielders: Ismaël Bennacer, Ramiz Zerrouki, Adem Zorgane, and Hichem Boudaoui. This area of the squad appears to be the weakest link currently. For the attacking midfield positions, Houssem Aouar, Badredine Bouanani, and Fares Chaïbi have been called up. They will face intense competition for starting roles. Notably, Chaïbi and Bouanani can also contribute in defensive midfield, potentially addressing the perceived weakness in that area.
Attack Options: The attacking options include eight players. On the right wing, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed El Amine Kabbal, and Akor Adams are included, a largely expected selection. On the left wing, Farès Chaïbi and Mohamed Amoura retain their spots. Upfront, Baghdad Bounedjah, and Mohamed El Amine Amoura are joined by another player. The first two were widely anticipated, but Petkovic seems to have been impressed with one of the other’s performances.
Abada and Lakhal Excluded: Legally, Abada and Lakhal cannot be called up. Petkovic stated that the players were not on the extended list.
