Hadj Moussa has the quality to play for Manchester City, says Maaskant

Anis Hadj Moussa has the ability to play for Manchester City and is not necessarily inferior to Jeremy Doku, according to Robert Maaskant.

The Feyenoord winger, 24, was again a key figure despite his side’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Fortuna Sittard. Maaskant expects the Algeria international to remain at De Kuip until the end of the season, unless a sufficiently large offer forces the Rotterdam club to reconsider.

“Unless the purse strings are loosened and Feyenoord can no longer refuse,” Maaskant, the Tuvalu coach, told Sportnieuws.

“Hadj Moussa’s value was €40m? It certainly has not gone down based on his performances.”

Maaskant believes Feyenoord would benefit significantly from keeping the player for another six months, particularly with the club competing for the title.

“I really like this player. There are very few players in the world who can adapt so easily. Hopefully he stays at Feyenoord for six more months. They would then really be in the title race,” he said.

The former Dutch player and coach also identified several possible destinations for Hadj Moussa if he eventually leaves the Eredivisie. He said Spain and Italy could suit the winger, while a move to the Premier League should not be ruled out.

“I can easily imagine him playing in Spain, especially in Italy,” Maaskant said. “I also watched Manchester City a little on Saturday and thought: he could play there very well too.”

Maaskant compared Hadj Moussa with Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, while acknowledging that the Belgian is usually deployed on the left and may possess greater explosiveness and aggression.

“I watched Jeremy Doku; admittedly, he plays on the left – he may be a little more explosive and a little more aggressive – but Hadj Moussa is just as dangerous,” he added.

He believes Hadj Moussa’s performances in the UEFA Champions League will be particularly important in determining whether leading European clubs make a move for him. Feyenoord face Inter Milan on Tuesday evening, providing another opportunity for the Algerian winger to impress potential suitors.

For now, Maaskant expects Hadj Moussa to stay in Rotterdam through the season, although he suggested that Feyenoord could be forced into accepting a bid if his market value continues to rise.