Egyptian football legend Mohamed Abou Treika, former Al-Ahly star, has criticized Riyadh Mahrez, the player of Al-Ahli Jeddah, for his performance during the match between the Algerian national team and Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Abou Treika expressed his views in post-match statements, stating, “Riyadh Mahrez was just standing there in the game, but Belmadi’s thinking is to keep his star on, despite his poor performance.”
He continued, “If you ask me about today’s match, I would tell you that Mahrez should have been substituted.”
The former Egyptian football star concluded, “Riyadh Mahrez needs a wake-up call and should find himself on the bench because he didn’t do anything.”
This critique from Abou Treika comes after the Algeria vs. Angola match, where Mahrez’s contribution seemed lacking according to the football legend.
The comments highlight the scrutiny that top players face, even from their peers and predecessors, emphasizing the high expectations associated with representing the national team in prestigious tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
Riyadh Mahrez, known for his skills and achievements, will likely face increased scrutiny following these remarks, adding an extra layer of pressure as Algeria continues its journey in the tournament.
Such critiques are not uncommon in the world of football, where opinions on player performances are often voiced openly, contributing to the ongoing discussions and analyses surrounding the sport.