Ismaël Bennacer’s role in Algeria’s national team has come under renewed scrutiny during the current international break, as questions mount over his form, fitness, and place in Vladimir Petković’s evolving squad.
Once seen as the indispensable engine of the Fennecs’ midfield, the 27-year-old—widely hailed as one of the team’s standout performers in recent years—finds himself at a career crossroads.
After overcoming a series of injuries, including a severe knee issue followed by a calf problem, Bennacer’s physical condition remains a concern.
His time in France with Marseille, where he is reportedly set to remain either via a loan or a reduced transfer, has yet to yield the performances that once made him a national mainstay.
“The reality of one day is not the same as tomorrow,” goes a popular saying, and in Bennacer’s case, it rings particularly true.
While he was once the first name on the team sheet, his current form has made him more of a tactical dilemma than a certainty.
His recent statistics paint a stark picture. Bennacer has not started three consecutive matches for Algeria since a stretch between June and September 2022—against Iran, Guinea, and Nigeria.
His last appearances have been sporadic and limited mostly to substitute roles, a reflection of his ongoing fitness concerns.
Notably, under Petković, Bennacer has featured in just two of the coach’s 11 matches in charge.
The Swiss-Bosnian manager has publicly affirmed his willingness to support players returning from injury or short on club minutes.
Still, unlike his predecessor Djamel Belmadi—who worked with Bennacer during his peak years and relied on his world-class ability—Petković has had to build a team largely without him.
In that time, others like Hichem Boudaoui have stepped up, cementing their place in the squad and forcing a rethink of midfield priorities.
With Ahmed Kendouci ruled out due to injury and Adem Zorgane left out of the current squad, Petković turned to Nabil Bentaleb and Ramiz Zerrouki—both of whom have had underwhelming seasons.
The lack of convincing alternatives could yet reopen the door for Bennacer, especially given his undeniable pedigree.
For four seasons, no Algerian midfielder has performed at a higher level, more consistently, or at a bigger club than Bennacer with AC Milan.
His versatility adds another layer to his potential value.
Capable of playing as a deep-lying midfielder, a central anchor, or even a creative number 10, Bennacer offers tactical flexibility few others can match.
His omission from the match against Rwanda—alongside key players such as Rayan Aït-Nouri, Houssem Aouar, and Amine Gouiri—may be a signal from Petković, suggesting these players are being preserved for the more demanding fixture against Sweden.
Ultimately, all eyes will now turn to Bennacer’s summer preparation.
A strong pre-season could be decisive in restoring his status, both at club and international level.
For now, however, the question lingers: is Ismaël Bennacer still a guaranteed starter for Algeria, or has his era at the heart of midfield quietly begun to fade?
