Defensive concerns loom over Algeria ahead of Guinea clash

Algeria approach their World Cup qualifier against Guinea with persistent questions over their defensive fragility, despite a run of positive results under coach Vladimir Petković.

The North Africans recorded a victory over Botswana in their last outing, but the manner of the performance failed to reassure supporters.

Repeated lapses at the back, an inability to deal with balls played in behind, and weaknesses on set pieces have left the side vulnerable.

Since Petković’s arrival, Algeria have averaged close to three goals per game, highlighting the strength of their attacking department.

Yet their attacking brilliance, led by players such as Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri, Baghdad Bounedjah, Riyad Mahrez, Farès Chaïbi, and Badredine Bouanani, has often masked recurring defensive shortcomings.

Key absentees at the back

The absence of two experienced defenders compounds the situation. Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri misses out through injury, while Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaïni is suspended.

Both men are central figures in Algeria’s defensive structure, and without them, Petković faces an unenviable task of plugging gaps against a well-organised Guinea side.

Veteran centre-back Aïssa Mandi remains available, though questions surround his ability to handle pace at the highest level. Once a consistent performer in Europe, his decline has been evident.

Similarly, right-back Youcef Atal, once tipped for a stellar career, has struggled with repeated injuries that have limited his impact.

Beyond these names, options are limited. Mohamed Amine Tougaï has failed to consistently convince at international level, while Ahmed Touba has yet to make the leap expected of him.

The lack of depth across Algeria’s defensive pool is glaring compared to the abundance of attacking talent available.

Petković’s tactical dilemma

With no opportunity to unearth new defensive talent before the Guinea clash, Petković must rely on tactical adjustments. His record with Algeria shows promise — five wins and one draw in AFCON qualifying and six wins with a single defeat in World Cup qualifying — but defensive consistency has eluded him.

Traditionally, Petković has preferred a back four to accommodate wide players such as Mahrez. However, he has experimented with a three-man defence, or five depending on its shape, with encouraging results. In four matches where Algeria deployed that system, all away from home, the team conceded only once.

This approach has allowed certain defenders to perform with greater assurance. Mandi has looked more comfortable as the right centre-back in a three-man line, able to step out when needed, while Tougaï has been steadier in a sweeper role with less ground to cover.

Midfield balance in question

Alongside defensive reshuffling, the role of the holding midfielder is also under scrutiny. Against Botswana, Nabil Bentaleb frequently dropped deep, almost operating as a third central defender, while Hicham Boudaoui was positioned higher up the pitch. Petković must decide whether to persist with this balance or opt for a more robust shield in front of his backline.

A test of resilience

Algeria’s strength in attack remains unquestioned, but their hopes of a calm and assured display against Guinea rest on whether Petković can find the right defensive formula.

With key players unavailable and no immediate solution to the lack of depth, tonight’s contest will test not only the squad’s resilience but also the tactical adaptability of their manager.