Olympique Marseille’s midfield just got more competitive with the winter arrival of Ismaël Bennacer, but Moroccan talent Bilal Nadir is ready for the challenge.
At 21, Nadir has carved out a role in Marseille’s rotation and welcomes the battle for minutes against the seasoned Algerian international.
Bennacer’s presence inevitably adds another layer to the historic Morocco-Algeria football rivalry, now set to unfold at the heart of the Vélodrome. With European experience from AC Milan, Bennacer brings pedigree to OM’s midfield, but Nadir refuses to back down.
“Ismaël is a great player, we know all his qualities. He’s a confirmed international, he has experience. But competition is what makes progress. I am here to play, to fight and show that I have my place,” Nadir told Foot Mercato.
Both midfielders, despite their differing styles, will be vying for the same minutes. As Marseille pushes forward under Roberto De Zerbi, this intra-squad rivalry could ignite a new chapter in the ongoing footballing duel between Morocco and Algeria.
