Abdelmalek Kelaleche: CR Belouizdad talent must overcome his own impatience

At 21, Abdelmalek Kelaleche has already experienced more than most players his age. The CR Belouizdad attacking midfielder has played for his formative club, joined MC Alger, moved to Tunisia to represent Club Africain and then returned to the CRB.

Born on 26 July 2005 in Ain Temouchent, Kelaleche made 20 Ligue 1 appearances last season and helped Algeria U21 win gold at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. Yet he was not included in Nabil Maaloul’s squad for any of the opening three league matches this season.

The question surrounding Kelaleche is rarely about his ability with the ball. Coaches who have worked with him regularly highlight his vision, technical control, creativity and unusually strong understanding of the game unfolding in front of him.

Arafat Mezouar, a CR Belouizdad figure, former club coach and current assistant with the first team, has known Kelaleche since he was 16. He does not describe him as a disruptive player, but believes the midfielder can sometimes be too influenced by the opinions and expectations around him.

That confidence is an important quality for a creative player, Mezouar believes, although it can become a problem if it prevents Kelaleche from accepting the different stages of development required at the highest level.

A natural number 10

Sead Ramovic, who coached him at CR Belouizdad, sees Kelaleche as a genuine number 10: not simply a technically gifted player who can beat opponents, but a creator who constantly looks for an opening.

Ramovic particularly values his willingness to demand the ball, take responsibility and attempt to change the direction of a match. He also wants to see greater tactical discipline when Kelaleche’s team is out of possession, as well as a better sense of when to take a risk and when to control the game.

Mohamed Mekhazni, now technical director of Olympique Akbou and previously in charge of recruitment at MC Alger, also recognises the player’s talent. But he points to impatience and a lack of stability after Kelaleche moved through several clubs, coaches and different expectations at an age when many young players are still establishing themselves.

Patrice Beaumelle reached a similar conclusion after taking Kelaleche to France on an MC Alger first-team training camp in 2023 before sending him back to the youth setup. The former Mouloudia coach remains convinced that Kelaleche has the ability to become an excellent player, but says he must embrace daily work and listen more carefully.

Sofiane Benkhelifa, a youth coach who has worked with USMA, Akbou and ES Setif, has been even more critical. He regards Kelaleche as one of the most talented players of his generation, alongside Abderrahmane Achouri, but believes his attitude and relationship with authority have sometimes slowed his progress. He cited a previous altercation with Ayoub Abdellaoui and urged the player to show greater humility.

Abdelkader Bouchaala, who has coached at CRB, USMA and MC Alger, offers a more cautious view. He warns against attaching a fixed label to Kelaleche too early, arguing that some coaches must also adapt their approach to a distinctive personality.

Kelaleche’s talent is not the source of disagreement. The debate is over how to make it consistent.

Ishak Ali Moussa, a former CRB player and current U20 coach, believes regular matches were exactly what Kelaleche needed after last season’s 20 appearances. He says the midfielder was often poorly advised and insufficiently supervised during his development, despite exceptional ability.

After working with him again at CRB, Ali Moussa tried to provide clearer reference points without giving him special treatment. Kelaleche has not yet played or been selected by Nabil Maaloul after three rounds, despite his strong previous campaign and Algeria U21 success.

At 21, he no longer needs to be told he is talented. His next task is to turn that talent into consistency, discipline and continuity.