Algeria captaincy: Ramy Bensebaini faces surprise challenge from Nabil Bentaleb

Ramy Bensebaini had appeared the natural choice to succeed Riyad Mahrez as Algeria captain, but Nabil Bentaleb has emerged as an unexpected alternative under new manager Brahim Hemdani.

Several Algerian media outlets had reported that Bentaleb would be among the main casualties of the national team’s renewal. However, he was included in Hemdani’s first squad and could now be handed one of the biggest signs of confidence available to the new manager.

According to Winwin, Hemdani is expected to choose between Bensebaini and Bentaleb when deciding on Algeria’s next captain. The Borussia Dortmund defender is understood to hold a slight advantage, although both players have strong claims to the armband.

Bensebaini and Bentaleb are both 31 and have considerable experience at the highest level of European football. The pair have won 85 and 63 caps respectively, giving Hemdani two established figures from which to choose.

Bentaleb made his Algeria debut before Bensebaini, in 2014. His international career has been less consistent, however. Difficult periods at club level, together with a heart problem that kept him out of football for eight months, prevented him from developing the same continuity with the Fennecs.

Bensebaini, by contrast, has gradually become one of the permanent senior figures in the Algeria squad. His regular presence is likely to explain his narrow advantage in the captaincy debate.

The inclusion of the Lille midfielder is the main surprise. In recent weeks, reports had suggested that Bentaleb was likely to be left out alongside Ramiz Zerrouki, as Hemdani sought to reshape Algeria’s midfield.

Instead, Bentaleb is among the 26 players selected. His strong start to the season with Lille may have helped his case, while the injury suffered by Yacine Titraoui could also have influenced the coaching staff’s plans. There is no certainty, however, that Bentaleb would have been omitted had Titraoui been available.

He will now have the opportunity to begin the new era in the squad, with the possibility that his return could be accompanied by the captain’s armband.

Hemdani is rebuilding Algeria’s leadership structure following the international retirements of Mahrez and Aissa Mandi. Bensebaini offers continuity, while Bentaleb brings significant seniority and experience.

Whichever player is eventually selected, Algeria’s next captain is likely to be a long-serving member of the Fennecs.