Luca Zidane’s recent form raises questions over Algeria starting place

Luca Zidane faces a fight to retain his starting position in Algeria’s national team after conceding 14 goals in his last six matches for Spanish second-division side CD Leganés.

The goalkeeper missed Algeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zambia and Burundi after receiving a two-match suspension from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Although he is expected to return to the squad for the November international break, his recent club performances could raise questions about his place in the team.

During his first training camp as Algeria coach, Brahim Hemdani used Zidane’s absence to assess Melvin Mastil and Abdellatif Ramdane as alternative options in goal. However, neither goalkeeper managed to make a strong impression during the international break.

Their performances have strengthened Zidane’s position in the competition for the starting role, despite concerns about his own form at club level.

Zidane’s recent form raises concerns

The 28-year-old, who has earned 10 international caps for Algeria, has continued to feature regularly for Leganés in Spain’s second division. However, his recent results have not been particularly encouraging.

Zidane has failed to keep a clean sheet in his last six appearances for the Spanish club, conceding 14 goals during that period.

Those numbers come at a time when Algeria are looking for greater stability in defence. Hemdani needs a reliable goalkeeper who can provide security at the back, particularly as he assesses the options available to him following his appointment.

The performances of Mastil and Ramdane have not fully addressed that concern, leaving Zidane in a strong position to return to the squad. Nevertheless, his place as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper may not be guaranteed.

Hemdani must decide on his first choice

Zidane’s expected return for the November camp will give Hemdani another opportunity to assess his goalkeepers before deciding who should start.

The coach will have to consider the performances of all three players during training and any opportunities they receive to demonstrate their abilities. Zidane’s international experience could count in his favour, but his recent form suggests there is still work to do.

For the Algeria goalkeeper, the upcoming camp could therefore prove important in establishing his position under the new coach.

While his inclusion in the next squad is expected, he may have to work harder to maintain his place in the starting line-up. The situation remains open as Hemdani continues to evaluate the available options.

The November gathering could also bring a new experience for Zidane, who has not previously travelled extensively with the Algerian national team outside the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

His return will therefore be watched closely as Algeria prepare for their next international commitments and Hemdani works to establish greater certainty in the goalkeeping position.