Rabah Saadane backs Marseille youngster Kelyann Bezahaf to thrive as modern full-back

Kelyann Bezahaf has made an encouraging start to life at Olympique de Marseille, with Rabah Saadane praising the young Algerian’s qualities after his first start against Troyes.

The right-back played the full match and impressed with his movement, willingness to support attacks and ability to contribute throughout the game. His display also earned positive feedback from several Marseille supporters.

For a player at the beginning of his career, the opportunity offered more than valuable minutes on the pitch. It also tested Bezahaf’s character, adaptability and capacity to meet the physical and tactical demands of a club where competition for places is intense.

Speaking to Africafoot, Saadane assessed Bezahaf’s potential, technical and tactical strengths, areas for development and prospects at Olympique de Marseille.

Saadane highlights Bezahaf’s attacking role

Saadane, whose coaching career includes leading Algeria to qualification for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, believes Bezahaf has the attributes expected of a modern full-back.

The former Algeria manager returned to the national team in 2004, when the side reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. He also coached Raja Club Athletic during the 1988/89 season and won continental and Arab honours, including the Arab Club Championship with ES Setif in the 2007/08 season.

In his assessment of Bezahaf, Saadane emphasised the defender’s activity on the right flank and his willingness to become involved in attacking moves.

A full-back’s role, he said, is no longer restricted to protecting the wide area. Players in that position must also provide additional options when attacks are being built, move forward with the ball and exploit space in order to create numerical advantages.

Those forward runs must be coordinated with the winger and midfielders. Timing and positioning are crucial if a full-back is to help unsettle an opposing defence without leaving his own team exposed.

Saadane also identified Bezahaf’s ability to take on opponents one-on-one as one of his technical strengths. The youngster can attempt to beat a defender or create the room needed to deliver crosses into the penalty area.

His control under pressure is another positive, helping him make decisions and move Marseille into more advanced areas of the pitch. Saadane believes those qualities provide a strong foundation, although Bezahaf must continue to refine his decision-making when choosing between attacking and maintaining defensive balance.

Competition at Marseille

The 90 minutes against Troyes also demonstrated Bezahaf’s physical capacity to sustain his effort in both phases of play. Full-backs are required to cover significant distances, make repeated runs and remain focused until the final whistle.

Competition for the right-back position at Olympique de Marseille will provide a demanding test. His start against Troyes is an important first step, but regular performances will be needed if he is to become a consistent part of the team’s rotation.

Saadane’s assessment underlines the importance of discipline, consistency and continued improvement. Bezahaf’s progress could give Marseille another option on the right, while the player will need to make the most of each opportunity.

Marseille will soon face Olympiakos in their second match of the Europa League league phase, another opportunity for Bezahaf to continue his development.