Algeria face Portugal competition for RC Lens prospect Mezian Mesloub

Portugal have stepped up their efforts to secure the international future of 16 year old RC Lens prospect Mezian Mesloub, despite continued interest from the Algerian Football Federation.

Mesloub has attracted significant attention after making an early impact with Lens. The son of former Algeria international Walid Mesloub announced himself in Ligue 1 by scoring on his debut against Nantes.

The teenager has since added to his growing reputation on the European stage, providing an assist in the Champions League against Slavia Prague.

His rapid emergence has caught the attention of the Algerian Football Federation, which is keen to keep the young player within the Fennecs setup for the future.

However, Algeria faces strong competition from Portugal because of Mesloub’s international background.

The teenager was born in France to a Portuguese mother and an Algerian father, leaving him eligible to represent all three countries at international level.

Portugal currently appear to have an advantage in the race. Mesloub has already represented the Portuguese national teams at both under 16 and under 17 level.

The latest development has strengthened Portugal’s efforts, with Mesloub now receiving a call up to the country’s under 21 squad.

That decision represents a significant step for a player who is still only 16. He will now have the opportunity to play alongside teammates who can be as much as five years older than him.

Sources close to the situation say Portugal’s under 21 coach Luís Freire has been directly involved in efforts to convince Mesloub and his family of the country’s plans for his development.

Freire has reportedly held discussions with the player and his parents in recent months as Portugal seeks to present a long term sporting project to the young midfielder.

Algeria, meanwhile, has not abandoned its efforts to secure Mesloub.

The FAF has already held initial discussions with his father, Walid Mesloub, as it attempts to maintain contact with the player’s family.

The issue is also being closely followed by Algeria’s new coach, Brahim Hemdani, who has made the recruitment of players eligible for more than one country an important part of his plans.

Hemdani is expected to meet Mesloub’s family personally after the September international training camp.

The Algeria coach has already confirmed that the federation has been actively working on identifying and contacting eligible players.

“Last week, we spent a lot of time on this matter. We identified them, we spoke with them, and we are trying to persuade them…”

Mesloub’s emergence at Lens has therefore intensified the competition between the two federations.

While Portugal have already involved him at several youth levels and have now called him into the under 21 squad, Algeria are continuing their efforts to persuade the teenager and his family.

With Mesloub still at the beginning of his career, his international future remains a closely watched issue as both countries attempt to secure his long term commitment.