Bentaleb Impresses on Algeria Debut as Guedioura Predicts Bright Future
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has made an immediate impact on the international stage, earning praise from teammates following his debut for Algeria during the FIFA international break.
The 19-year-old was handed his first cap for the Fennecs in a friendly match against Slovenia on 5 March, helping his side to a confident 2-0 win. Bentaleb’s composed performance in midfield did not go unnoticed and has sparked optimism about his potential role in the national team setup moving forward.
Among those most impressed was Crystal Palace’s Adlène Guedioura, who welcomed the young midfielder into the squad and sees a bright future for him in Algerian colours.
“I think he can bring a lot to the Algerian national team,” Guedioura told the BBC. “He’s a young boy who starts every match for Tottenham, which shows how good he is.”
Bentaleb, who has broken into Spurs’ starting XI under manager Tim Sherwood, has seen a rapid rise in his career over recent months. His club-level performances earned him international attention, and Algeria moved swiftly to secure his services amidst reported interest from the French national setup.
Guedioura, a veteran of the squad with World Cup experience, said the team made every effort to ensure Bentaleb felt at home in his first camp with Algeria.
“When he joined us for the first time, we tried to welcome him like a brother because the national team is a kind of family,” the midfielder added.
Bentaleb’s debut comes at a crucial time for Algeria as they prepare for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Head coach Vahid Halilhodžić has been monitoring new talent to bolster his options, and Bentaleb’s display against Slovenia will have done his selection hopes no harm.
Algeria are drawn in Group H at the World Cup, alongside Belgium, Russia, and South Korea. With competition for midfield places intensifying, Bentaleb’s club experience in the Premier League may offer Halilhodžić a valuable option heading into the tournament.
