Ismaël Bennacer’s performances at Olympique de Marseille continue to fall short of expectations, with the Algerian midfielder struggling to rediscover the form that once made him one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents.
At 27, Bennacer finds himself far removed from the influential figure he was during the 2022–2023 season at AC Milan. Once celebrated for his commanding presence in midfield, the Algerian international’s displays in Marseille have prompted questions about his long-term trajectory—both at club and international level.
Bennacer’s current difficulties are not solely a product of his loan move to Marseille earlier this year. Observers have noted a visible decline in his performance levels since May 2023, when he sustained a serious knee injury.
The setback was described at the time by then-Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi as a “very rare and very difficult injury for such a young player.” Since then, the midfielder has struggled to return to the rhythm that once defined his game.
During his prime at AC Milan, Bennacer was lauded for his relentless work rate, intensity, and intelligence on the ball. He was not only named Best Player and Best Young Player at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but also became an indispensable part of the Rossoneri’s midfield for five seasons.
In particular, his ability to combine physical endurance with exceptional technical skill made him a key cog in Milan’s tactical setup.
However, the player seen in Marseille today bears little resemblance to that dynamic midfielder. Now donning the number 22 shirt, Bennacer has adopted a far more conservative approach.
His passing, often limited to quick one-touch moves, lacks the creativity and incision that once defined his play. The daring dribbles, incisive vertical runs, and attacking influence that saw him once deployed as a number 10 at Milan are conspicuously absent.
This new version of Bennacer may offer tactical discipline and safe ball distribution, but he is increasingly viewed as emblematic of a Marseille side that often lacks urgency and attacking spark.
While he continues to show flashes of his former mobility, much of his flair appears to have been dulled, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering whether he can truly recapture his best form.
Signs of hope have emerged on the international stage. After a strong physical preparation, Bennacer made promising appearances for Algeria against Uganda in June and Equatorial Guinea in September.
Though still short of peak fitness, he seemed to be on an upward physical curve before a calf injury—sustained while on international duty—sidelined him for another three months. That interruption further disrupted his efforts to re-establish consistency.
His loan move to Marseille, which included an option to buy, was initially met with optimism. Yet as the season progresses, questions remain about whether the club will choose to make the deal permanent.
Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s current head coach, has shown faith in the midfielder, gradually easing him into longer spells on the pitch. In the recent fixture against Toulouse, Bennacer played nearly the full match for the first time since his arrival—an encouraging sign even if the performance didn’t fully sparkle.
Bennacer’s path to redemption is by no means straightforward. Regaining his place in the national team will require more than name recognition—it will demand sustained excellence and a return to the intensity that once made him irreplaceable.
But with determination, patience, and the right guidance, there remains hope that Ismaël Bennacer can once again reach the heights that once made him one of Africa’s finest midfielders.
