Algeria still searching for leader after Mahrez and Mandi retirements

Algeria are still looking for the figure who can lead their new generation after Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi retired from international football, with Tuesday’s 2-2 draw away to Burundi underlining the uncertainty.

The departures have left more than two vacancies in the Algeria team. They have also removed a significant amount of experience and authority from the squad.

Ramy Bensebaini was the obvious candidate to succeed Mahrez as captain, and Brahim Hemdani’s decision confirmed that expectation. However, the defender’s first away match wearing the armband showed that leadership requires more than seniority or status.

The Borussia Dortmund player was involved in the series of mistakes that led to Burundi’s opening goal and was directly at fault for the hosts’ second. Those two incidents left Algeria 2-0 down after only 12 minutes and were central to one of the main conclusions from the draw in Bujumbura.

That performance alone does not put Bensebaini’s position as captain in doubt. Even a captain is entitled to have a poor match, while Bensebaini retains the experience, character and credibility of a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

The role will nevertheless demand greater consistency. He must organise a defence being rebuilt, remain available despite recurring physical problems and control a temperament that has occasionally led to avoidable bookings. The armband should not alter his personality, but it should help him manage it more effectively.

Hemdani’s bigger difficulty is that Algeria do not currently have an indisputable alternative.

Nabil Bentaleb has the necessary experience and had been considered a possible rival to Bensebaini for the captaincy. His lack of physical continuity and inconsistent performances for the national team, however, have weakened his case.

Ismael Bennacer could become the team’s technical leader if he can permanently recover his best form, but he remains some way from that level. Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa and Ibrahim Maza represent the future, yet none has developed the authority required to take charge when Algeria begin to lose control of a match.

The recent history of the Fennecs includes several players who could impose themselves on the team. Moussa Saib, Yazid Mansouri, Anthar Yahia, Adlene Guedioura, Mahrez and Mandi did not share the same qualities or level of talent. They did, however, possess the ability to unite their team-mates, calm them or inspire a response.

That presence was not clearly visible in Bujumbura once Algeria found themselves two goals behind after 12 minutes.

For now, Bensebaini remains the player with the strongest claim to the role. His next challenge is to give the armband genuine authority on the pitch. Hemdani may have found his captain, but it would be premature to say he has also found his leader.