Yakoub Gassi: MC Alger’s rising right-back must now turn promise into playing time

Yakoub Gassi has already made significant progress at MC Alger, but the 20-year-old’s next step is clear: regular first-team football. The right-back is sixth in #TalentsAlgeriens, a series highlighting 25 young players to watch in Algerian Ligue 1 during the 2026/27 season.

The selection is necessarily subjective and considers more than natural ability. Potential, an expected role at club level and the significance of the season in each player’s development are also taken into account.

Born in Bouira on 6 March 2006, Gassi has moved quickly through the stages of his career. He has joined the professional squad at MC Alger, played in the Algerian Cup, appeared in the CAF Champions League and represented Algeria at youth level.

MC Alger have also extended his contract until 2031, underlining their belief in his long-term prospects.

A player trusted by those who know him

Mohamed Mekhazni has followed Gassi for several years. Now technical director of Olympique Akbou, the former MC Alger technical official was directly involved in bringing the defender to the club.

His assessment is emphatic: Gassi is “the best right-back of his generation”.

Sofiane Benkhelifa, a coach and youth developer who has worked with USMA, Olympique Akbou and ES Setif, also highlights the path Gassi has already travelled.

The young defender has faced demanding situations beyond youth football. In his appearances in the Algerian Cup and CAF Champions League under Rulani Mokwena, he did not appear overawed by the higher level. He continued to move forward, take on opponents and make decisions for himself.

Benkhelifa describes him as “quick, a good dribbler, and as good offensively as he is defensively”.

There is, however, one area that still requires attention: Gassi must continue developing his defensive positioning and discipline.

For Benkhelifa, the player is already ready to be part of MC Alger’s rotation.

Contract secured, opportunities still needed

Abdelkader Bouchaala offers a slightly different perspective. The youth coach, who has previously worked with CRB and USMA and is now at MC Alger, has no doubts about Gassi’s qualities.

He points to the defender’s pace, explosiveness, ability to combine in one-twos and skill in protecting the ball.

But those attributes also create a clear demand: Gassi needs to play. Bouchaala would have preferred him to build up a run of matches elsewhere, rather than remain among the substitutes.

Benkhelifa believes he is ready to contribute to MC Alger’s rotation, while Bouchaala would have liked to see him play regularly away from the club. Both agree that sitting on the bench will not help his development at this stage.

The change in coaching staff introduces another uncertainty. Mokwena gave Gassi his first genuine opportunities, while Khaled Ben Yahiya must now decide how much of a role he will have in the squad.

MC Alger have protected the player’s future contractually until 2031. The next question is whether they will give a 20-year-old right-back, already considered ready by many who have worked with him, the most valuable thing for his progress: regular minutes.