Hadj Moussa earns rare praise from Fabregas after Feyenoord victory

Anis Hadj Moussa’s outstanding display in Feyenoord Rotterdam’s 3-2 Champions League win over Como on Wednesday drew a striking compliment from the losing manager, Cesc Fabregas.

The Algeria international scored one goal and played a decisive role in another as Feyenoord recovered from conceding first to claim victory. Fabregas said Como currently did not have a player capable of making the same kind of impact.

Como took the lead in the 18th minute through Senegal international Assane Diao, but Feyenoord quickly turned the match around.

Hadj Moussa was central to that response. He put Feyenoord ahead by cutting inside onto his left foot before sending a shot into the net. He was also involved in the third goal, with his long-range effort hitting the post before rebounding off goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and into the goal.

Those two incidents proved decisive and left a strong impression on Fabregas, who was open in his assessment of Feyenoord’s performance during his post-match news conference.

“They are a very good team who know how to play very well. We have the same ideas. I think they were simply better than us today,” said the former Spain international.

He then singled out Hadj Moussa for particular praise.

“Anis Hadj Moussa is an exceptional player and, at the moment, we do not have that kind of player who is able to make the difference in this type of match as he does.”

The endorsement carries added weight given Fabregas’ reputation for tactical detail and his experience of playing alongside some of the game’s most accomplished footballers, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry.

Hadj Moussa’s display also reflects the admiration previously shown by Robin van Persie, the former Feyenoord manager who knew the winger well and regularly praised his ability.

The Algeria international’s progress has not been limited to Europe. In the Eredivisie, he has scored five goals and provided one assist in seven appearances. Four of those goals came across only two matches in September, earning him the Dutch league’s player of the month award.

His current form is particularly notable after a summer dominated by uncertainty over his future. Hadj Moussa was widely linked with a move away from Feyenoord, including speculation connecting him with Al-Ittihad, but he ultimately stayed in Rotterdam.

He now appears to have taken another step forward. After winning the trust of Van Persie, Hadj Moussa has received an equally emphatic public endorsement from Fabregas.

The winger has impressed two former Arsenal stars, with his Champions League performance providing the latest evidence of his growing influence.