Ismaël Bennacer has faced scrutiny despite delivering solid performances for Olympique de Marseille since his arrival.
The Algerian midfielder, who is still working his way back to peak physical form, has shown glimpses of his quality, particularly in Marseille’s recent clash against RC Lens.
During the first half, Bennacer was instrumental in both ball recovery and distribution, helping to stabilize the midfield alongside Valentin Rongier.
His defensive contributions were evident as he recorded seven interceptions and won ten duels, making him one of Marseille’s most active players.
Additionally, he was the most progressive passer in midfield, constantly seeking to push the team forward.
While his influence waned in the second half—alongside the rest of the squad—his overall contribution remained notable.
However, despite his efforts, Bennacer was replaced in the 75th minute by Neal Maupay, and the subsequent criticism directed at him has raised eyebrows.
Riolo’s controversial comments
French sports journalist Daniel Riolo, known for his divisive opinions, has been vocal in his criticism of Marseille’s recent form, particularly singling out Bennacer and Amine Gouiri, both Algerian internationals.
Speaking on RMC, Riolo suggested that Marseille’s dip in performances coincided with the arrival of the two players, questioning whether their presence had disrupted the team’s momentum.
“Since the end of the transfer window, has there not been a real decline at OM?” Riolo argued. “They were on a good run in terms of performances, and then Bennacer arrived. We were told he’s an international star. But was that really necessary? And Gouiri, who was playing well and scoring occasionally, what about him?”
Riolo went further, implying that Marseille’s previous midfield setup, including Rongier and Maupay, had been unfairly sidelined in favor of the Algerian duo.
Unfair targeting of Bennacer
Bennacer’s performances do not align with the criticism directed at him.
His debut coincided with a period where Marseille had already suffered defeats and were struggling for consistency.
Before Gouiri’s arrival, the team had gone through a rough spell, managing only a single win in five matches (one victory, two draws, two losses).
Gouiri then helped Marseille secure a crucial win against Olympique Lyonnais, while Bennacer’s inclusion followed shortly after, contributing to a mixed record of three wins and two losses.
The suggestion that the team’s struggles are due to the presence of Bennacer and Gouiri is both misleading and unfair, particularly given their immediate contributions.
Underlying Bias?
Some have questioned whether Riolo’s harsh stance on Bennacer and Gouiri stems from something beyond football.
His past remarks in his book “Racaille Football Club,” which has been accused of stigmatizing Muslim players from immigrant backgrounds, have resurfaced amid his latest criticism.
Given that his analysis appears to ignore Marseille’s broader tactical and structural issues, many fans and analysts have suggested that his comments may be influenced by personal biases rather than objective footballing assessment.
Bennacer’s importance moving forward
As Marseille continues its fight for European qualification, Bennacer remains a key figure in midfield.
His work rate, ball-winning ability, and vision make him a vital asset, and as he regains full fitness, his influence is expected to grow.
Despite the subjective criticism, his performances on the pitch speak for themselves, and he is likely to play a significant role in Marseille’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.
