Algerian midfielder Ismaël Bennacer faces growing scrutiny amid mixed form at Marseille

Ismaël Bennacer played a role in Olympique de Marseille’s 3-2 win over Toulouse on Sunday, setting up the second goal of the match, yet his performance has drawn sharp criticism from sections of the French press, particularly La Provence, despite his statistical contributions.

Bennacer, who joined the club on loan from AC Milan during the January transfer window, assisted the goal that briefly put Marseille in front, but local media seemed far from impressed.

La Provence, in its player ratings, took aim at the Algerian international, questioning both his form and physical condition.

The publication noted that despite a pass accuracy rate of 95% and two key passes, his display was littered with imprecision and lacked the control expected from a midfielder of his calibre.

“After an encouraging start against Angers and Saint-Étienne, Bennacer has been disappointing,” the outlet wrote. “The player renowned for his technical ability looked uncertain, unless of course he was targeting the advertising boards.”

The critique continued, doubting his off-ball contributions and hinting that the 26-year-old might still be feeling the effects of his recent injuries.

While some aspects of the criticism are rooted in truth—such as his partial responsibility in the build-up to Toulouse’s second goal—many observers argue that the tone of the commentary has become unnecessarily harsh.

Bennacer is returning from a significant injury that sidelined him for nearly four months following a calf operation. It’s well documented that returning to peak form after such a layoff takes time, even for elite professionals.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge the context in which Bennacer is operating. He wasn’t signed for a massive transfer fee, and Marseille’s midfield depth doesn’t boast names comparable to Europe’s elite.

It’s therefore unreasonable to expect him to single-handedly transform the team. The Algerian has shown flashes of his quality and remains under careful management by coach Roberto De Zerbi, who knows him well from their time in Italy.

The scrutiny, some say, borders on scapegoating—an easy outlet for frustration in a season that has seen inconsistency across the squad. Bennacer arrived as a calculated gamble, one that Marseille knew came with physical risks.

De Zerbi himself admitted that Bennacer needs to be handled with caution, given his injury history.

With six league matches remaining, Bennacer faces a pivotal moment in his Marseille stint. The club holds an option to buy set at €12 million, with an additional €3 million in potential bonuses.

Whether they choose to trigger that clause will likely depend on his performances between now and the season’s close.

Should Marseille pass on a permanent deal, reports suggest Bennacer could head to Saudi Arabia—a move that would mark a dramatic shift in his career trajectory after fulfilling a personal dream of playing for Marseille.

Until then, the midfielder will be hoping to silence his critics on the pitch and convince the club hierarchy of his enduring value.

As the final stretch of the Ligue 1 campaign approaches, all eyes will be on the Algerian to see whether he can rediscover his best form—and perhaps find some peace amid the noise.