Algeria: Anis Hadj-Moussa says playing beside Riyad Mahrez is a proud milestone in his career

Algeria midfielder Anis Hadj-Moussa has expressed deep admiration for Riyad Mahrez, saying the chance to learn from and now line up alongside the former Manchester City star is a source of immense pride.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster ESPN, the Feyenoord player reflected on Mahrez’s influence and the rapid rise that has brought him into the national spotlight.

Asked about frequent comparisons to Mahrez, Hadj-Moussa was clear about what the connection means to him.

“It’s huge for me. He’s a player I followed as a child and from whom I learned a lot. Now he advises me and I play alongside him, which makes me very proud,” he said.

He acknowledged that the inventive nicknames sometimes attributed to him — including Hadji Potter and Hadj-Messi — are taken in good humour.

Though light-hearted, the labels reflect both his creativity and the growing excitement around his performances for club and country.

Hadj-Moussa’s presence in the Algerian squad has strengthened over the past year, a journey he described as both surreal and deeply gratifying.

Reflecting on his first start for the national team in a recent friendly against Saudi Arabia, he said: “I was very happy; I was able to showcase my abilities and start for the first time. That really made me happy.”

For the 22-year-old, the pace of his rise remains a defining part of his story.

“Two years ago, I was playing in the Belgian second division. Now, I play every week in the Netherlands and I’m heading towards the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a dream; I never imagined I’d get here so quickly,” he added.

His comments underline a remarkable journey from lower-division football to becoming an increasingly important figure in Algeria’s midfield.

The move to Feyenoord has provided a larger stage for his talent, but it is the mentorship and presence of Mahrez that he credits as a guiding force in his development.

Hadj-Moussa’s admiration for Mahrez echoes the sentiments of many younger Algerian players who grew up watching the winger’s rise to global prominence.

For him, it represents not only inspiration but an ongoing opportunity to receive advice from a player he once viewed from afar.

As Algeria prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, Hadj-Moussa’s confidence, form and fast-growing influence suggest he may soon carve out his own place among the country’s emerging generation.

His reflections capture a blend of gratitude, ambition and disbelief — a portrait of a young footballer aware of how quickly his life has changed, yet determined to keep pace with it.