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Youcef Belaïli surpasses Lionel Messi and Bruno Fernandes in assist statistics

Alansary June 20, 2024

Youcef Belaïli, star of the Algerian national team and player for MC Alger, has achieved a remarkable statistical milestone in his professional football career, surpassing some of the sport’s biggest names, including Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Portuguese standout Bruno Fernandes.

According to recent statistics released by the French football statistics site “POP FOOT” on Wednesday via the platform “X,” Belaïli ranks among the top ten players with the highest assist rates per match for their national teams in the 21st century.

This list places Belaïli in an impressive eighth position, highlighting his exceptional playmaking abilities.

What sets Belaïli apart from the other nine players on this prestigious list is his comparatively low number of international appearances.

Despite this, he has managed to provide 15 assists in just 54 matches for the Algerian national team, resulting in an impressive rate of 0.31 assists per match.

In contrast, Lionel Messi, with 54 assists in 182 matches for Argentina, has an assist rate of 0.30 per match.

Similarly, Bruno Fernandes of Portugal has 20 assists in 68 matches, averaging 0.29 assists per match.

These statistics underscore Belaïli’s efficiency and effectiveness on the field, even with fewer opportunities.

Topping the list is Belgian and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who has 48 assists in 102 matches for Belgium, followed by Brazilian sensation Neymar with 58 assists in 130 matches for Brazil.

Retired German international Mesut Özil takes the third spot with 38 assists in 92 matches for Germany.

???? Les joueurs avec le meilleur ratio de passes décisives par match en sélection nationale au 21eme siècle pic.twitter.com/UCBe1HhYBu

— PopFoot (@ThePopFoot) June 19, 2024