Ismaël Bennacer’s revival at Dinamo Zagreb sparks hopes for Algeria

Ismaël Bennacer’s loan move to Dinamo Zagreb has rapidly turned into one of the stories of the Croatian season, with the Algerian international rediscovering his rhythm and fitness after two injury-plagued years.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations best player, still on AC Milan’s books, is not only impressing on the pitch but also capturing the imagination of supporters and media alike in Croatia.

Loaned late in the transfer window after Marseille declined to exercise their purchase option, Bennacer has settled quickly into life at Dinamo.

Local headlines have hailed him as the club’s most valuable player and a true football star, while some have declared that never has such a star joined the HNL.

For Algeria fans, the excitement is tinged with relief: the midfielder’s fitness has been the main concern after a string of injuries restricted him to fewer than 20 matches per season over the past two campaigns.

The Arles-born player endured a difficult period following knee surgery in 2023, suffering four separate injuries—including a calf problem that sidelined him for more than three months.

His six-month stint at Marseille produced flashes of quality but raised questions about his physical condition.

In Zagreb, however, doubts have dissipated.

He’s clearly in perfect health, Sportske Novosti wrote, noting that the club had been assured of his readiness before signing him.

Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević echoed that sentiment, praising a player whose quality is immediately visible in training.

Bennacer’s impact has been swift. Fifteen days after his arrival, he debuted against Hajduk Split and then earned a starting berth against Slaven Belupo, where his performance was described as solid by the local press.

He completed 90 touches, posted a 90% pass completion rate, delivered two key passes and earned a 7.9 Sofascore rating.

His fitness work alongside Jean-Baptiste Duault—the specialist credited with helping Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé overcome recurring injuries—appears to be paying off.

With Dinamo out of the Europa League and Croatia’s top flight offering a slightly less intense schedule, Bennacer seems to have found the ideal environment to regain his form.

Sharing the dressing room with compatriot Moncef Bakrar, who is also thriving in front of goal, the midfielder looks increasingly likely to return to Algeria’s starting line-up.

In a national team midfield beset by injuries to Aouar, Kadri and Boudaoui, Bennacer’s comeback could not be timelier.

October’s fixtures and the build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations present an opportunity for him to reassert his leadership.

Should he sustain this resurgence through to the World Cup next June, Algeria may well have its midfield lynchpin back at full strength—reborn in Croatia and ready to lead the Greens again.