Algerian international Amin Chiakha marked his return to action for FC Copenhagen during their 3-1 victory over Nordsjælland in the Danish Championship on Sunday.
The 18-year-old forward, who had been absent for three matches due to undisclosed reasons, made his comeback as a second-half substitute in the 73rd minute.
Chiakha, renowned for his attacking prowess, was deployed in an unfamiliar role as a left winger.
While his performance was measured, earning a Sofascore rating of 6.3/10, it marked an important step in his reintegration into the squad.
His return follows a standout moment in the European Conference League three weeks ago, where he scored twice in a memorable performance against Başakşehirspor.
The teenager, who topped the scoring charts in last season’s UEFA Youth Champions League, faces the challenge of solidifying his place in Copenhagen’s first team.
His limited appearances and recent role shift underscore a transitional phase in his young career.
Chiakha’s development is being closely watched by Algeria’s national team coach Vladimir Petkovic.
The forward made his senior debut for Algeria during the November international break, featuring briefly in a draw against Equatorial Guinea.
Despite recognizing Chiakha’s potential, Petkovic emphasized the importance of regular club performances for national team consideration.
He is not 100% ready for major international competitions yet,” Petkovic commented.
But he’s a promising long-term project. His age and potential give us hope for the future.
Chiakha’s journey into international football remains at a delicate stage, with competition for places in the Algerian squad intensifying.
Petkovic has made it clear that consistent playing time and impactful performances at the club level will be key to Chiakha’s chances of becoming a regular for Les Verts.
For now, the young forward’s priority lies in earning the trust of his club manager and adapting to different roles on the field.
While his shift to the left wing against Nordsjælland may not have been seamless, it represents an opportunity to expand his skill set and versatility, attributes that could enhance his value to both FC Copenhagen and the Algerian national team.
Chiakha’s progress will undoubtedly be a storyline to follow, as the talented forward seeks to transition from a standout youth prospect to a dependable performer at the senior level.
