Titraoui collects first Lens trophy before taking on surprise translation role

Yacine Titraoui made an outstanding start to life at RC Lens, helping his new club beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Trophee des champions before unexpectedly becoming the dressing room’s translator.

The 23-year-old Algeria international was named in the starting line-up for his first competitive appearance since joining Lens and played a key role in their victory over the reigning two-time European champions.

Titraoui moved to Lens from Charleroi during the summer in a deal worth about €8m, and immediately offered an indication of why the French club had invested in him. Operating in midfield, he brought composure, movement and technical quality to the side, forming an effective partnership with the impressive Michael Cuisance.

Lens were forced to play with 10 men after Antonio was sent off in the 39th minute, but they held on to secure the first silverware of their season.

The performance strengthened the belief of Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca, the former club goalkeeper, who had backed the signing as a potential breakthrough move.

«On est alle chercher Yacine qui peut etre la revelation de la saison», Leca said.

Titraoui’s influence was not limited to what he produced on the pitch. A moment in the dressing room after the final whistle offered an early glimpse of how quickly he is settling into the squad.

As German manager Dino Toppmoller spoke to the players in French, Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid asked Titraoui to explain the team talk. The Algeria midfielder then translated the manager’s words from French into Arabic.

The exchange provided an unexpected indication of Titraoui’s growing importance within the group, even though he has only just arrived at the club.

His move to Lens followed a deliberate decision about the next stage of his career. During the summer, Titraoui turned down Olympiakos despite receiving a financially attractive offer, choosing instead a project he believed could help him develop further.

The midfielder, who has been nicknamed the “Algerian Verratti” by some observers, now appears ready for a bigger challenge in French football.

However, one impressive appearance against PSG will not by itself establish his long-term influence. Ligue 1 will demand consistency across an entire season, and Titraoui will need to reproduce the quality and discipline he showed in his first competitive outing.

For now, though, his Lens career could scarcely have begun in better fashion. He has helped secure a trophy, delivered a convincing midfield performance and already played an unusual role in helping teammates understand their manager.

Louis Mukoma Fargues