Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki back in form but faces November selection battle

Ramiz Zerrouki has returned to form with FC Twente at a crucial moment, but the Algeria midfielder is still no certainty to be included in Brahim Hemdani’s squad for November.

Omitted from the new manager’s first selection on sporting grounds, Zerrouki responded with two important performances for his club. On Sunday, he played the full match as Twente thrashed Excelsior Rotterdam 9-0, scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

The goal was his second of the season. His first had carried greater significance, as he scored the only goal against FC Thoune in the UEFA Conference League to secure three points for Twente.

Zerrouki was not the main focus of the Dutch media’s coverage of the victory, with Wout Weghorst and Sondre Ørjasæter attracting much of the attention. However, his successful penalty was viewed as evidence that Twente could rely on him in an important moment.

That represents a modest but meaningful show of faith for a player attempting to re-establish himself after a difficult spell at Feyenoord. Twente are now fourth in the Eredivisie on 23 points, level with third-placed PSV, and Zerrouki is enjoying greater consistency in an environment he knows well.

Competition for midfield places

Whether that improvement is enough to change Hemdani’s thinking remains uncertain. Zerrouki’s absence from the first squad was not widely regretted by Algeria supporters, with many calling for him to be left out after a series of performances they considered too subdued.

The 28-year-old has long been criticised as overly slow and cautious. His failure to make a significant step forward at Feyenoord has added to doubts over whether he can establish himself at a higher level.

There is, however, more to his profile than those perceived shortcomings. Several Algeria managers have trusted him, he has won around 50 caps and he has previously worn the captain’s armband for the national team.

His tactical discipline, experience and passing ability remain qualities that could benefit Algeria. The difficulty is that competition in midfield has intensified.

Nabil Bentaleb and Himad Abdelli are continuing to improve, while Hicham Boudaoui, Adem Zorgane and Yassine Titraoui all have strong claims for inclusion. Hemdani significantly reshaped that area of the team in his first squad.

Zerrouki’s place in the November group is therefore far from guaranteed. Hemdani should neither recall him solely because he has scored two goals nor rule him out because he remains unpopular with sections of the support.

If his improved performances continue, Zerrouki deserves to be assessed alongside the other midfield options. He may never become the spectacular player some Algeria supporters want to see, but a national team does not need every midfielder to play that way.

His task is to show that he can once again be a dependable option for Algeria, rather than a selection made by default.