Ramy Bensebaïni: ‘An honour to succeed Riyad Mahrez as Algeria captain’

Ramy Bensebaïni says taking over as Algeria captain from Riyad Mahrez is a major responsibility but also a great honour after the former skipper’s decision to retire from international football.

The Borussia Dortmund defender has been handed the captaincy following Mahrez’s departure from the national team and recognises the significance of replacing a player who played an important role in Algeria’s recent history.

Bensebaïni said the responsibility was particularly significant because he is becoming the first captain of the national team following Mahrez’s international retirement.

“It’s a great responsibility when you are the first captain of the national team.

“It’s even more important when you succeed a legend like Riyad Mahrez,” he confided.

Bensebaïni recognises Mahrez’s impact

The new Algeria captain also highlighted Mahrez’s importance to the national team during his international career.

Bensebaïni believes taking over the armband after Mahrez makes his new role even more meaningful, given the former captain’s contribution to the Greens.

“You can’t talk about Riyad Mahrez without acknowledging his importance to the national team. Wearing the armband after him is therefore a great honor for me,” he continued.

Mahrez’s influence on the national side has therefore added extra significance to Bensebaïni’s new responsibility.

The defender now has the task of wearing the captain’s armband after a player who, according to Bensebaïni, holds a special place in the recent history of Algerian football.

A new responsibility for Bensebaïni

The Dortmund defender said he is ready to embrace the role and repay the confidence placed in him.

His comments underline his understanding of what the captaincy represents, particularly after succeeding Mahrez.

Bensebaïni said he wants to meet the expectations that come with the position and carry out his responsibilities as captain of the Greens.

“God willing, I will be up to this responsibility,” he concluded.

Succeeding a former captain

Bensebaïni’s appointment marks a new stage in his involvement with the Algeria national team.

The defender’s focus is now on fulfilling his duties as captain while acknowledging the significance of the player whose armband he has inherited.

For Bensebaïni, the role is both a responsibility and an honour, with Mahrez’s importance to Algeria making the transition particularly significant.

His message is that he understands the weight of the captaincy and intends to justify the trust placed in him as he takes on the role previously held by Mahrez.