Kelyann Bezahaf: Can Marseille’s promising right-back earn an Algeria call-up?

Kelyann Bezahaf made a strong first start for Olympique de Marseille in Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Troyes, prompting early questions about whether the 20-year-old could soon be considered for Algeria.

The right-back was brought into the starting XI because Timothy Weah was suspended and handled his first appearance in Marseille’s professional team with composure. He made two interceptions, recovered six balls and showed a willingness to support attacks, while also standing up to the pressure of his senior debut.

L’Equipe and La Provence both awarded him a rating of 6 out of 10. His enthusiasm occasionally left too much space down the right, but his overall display was considered a positive one.

Born in Martigues, Bezahaf joined the Olympique de Marseille academy at a young age. He did not begin his development as a defender, having initially played as a striker before moving out wide and eventually dropping back to right-back. His positional switch was encouraged in part by Andoni Zubizarreta.

That attacking background is still evident in his game, particularly in his willingness to advance and the quality of his crossing. Bezahaf has won the French U17 championship and the Coupe Gambardella, and he is an Algeria U23 international.

He recently signed his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until 2028, after impressing the Marseille coaching staff during their pre-season friendly matches.

Algeria’s right-back situation

Despite his encouraging debut, Bezahaf will need to show that he can perform consistently before expectations rise too high. His immediate task is to establish himself in Marseille’s squad rotation behind Weah.

His most recent involvement with Rafik Saifi’s Algeria U23 side, during two friendlies in South Africa, did not completely settle questions about whether he is ready to perform at the highest level. Before he can seriously target the senior Algeria team, Bezahaf must first secure his place with the U23s, improve his defensive discipline and learn when to time his forward runs.

However, the situation at right-back could give him an opportunity sooner than expected. Rafik Belghali, who started for Algeria at the last World Cup, is due to return to the squad in November after serving his suspension.

Beyond Belghali, the position remains unsettled. Saadi Radouani was recalled in September but has not fully convinced, while at 31 he is unlikely to represent a long-term solution. Brahim Hemdani may therefore be tempted to monitor Bezahaf more closely and could consider calling him up in November, initially without placing major responsibility on him.

A call-up at that stage would still represent a gamble. Few young Algerian players are starting for a club such as Olympique de Marseille, though, and Bezahaf’s development will attract attention. He also has two Algeria internationals around him in Marseille, Amine Gouiri and Himad Abdelli.

For now, the priority is to build a run of appearances at club level before any possible November selection.