Days before the eagerly anticipated friendly between Algeria and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, Riyad Mahrez, the captain of the Greens, spoke about what makes this meeting special: facing a group of his former Al Ahli teammates and friends.
The Algerian national team is gearing up to face its Saudi counterparts on Tuesday, as part of the November friendlies that will test the players ahead of upcoming commitments.
What did Mahrez say about facing Saudi Arabia
Mahrez told the Algerian paper El Nasser that the match carries a distinctive tone and presents a notable technical challenge, given Saudi Arabia’s sharp playing style and their preparations for the 2025 Arab Cup under French coach Hervé Renard.
He added: “The game will be different and very tough, because they are a strong team with a special way of playing. For me, it will be a special match since there are many friends from Al Ahli, and we will try to perform well and prepare in the best possible way.”
The Saudi squad features several players linked with Mahrez at Al Ahli, such as Ali Majrashi, Feras Al-Briikan, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Ziyad Al-Juhani, which gives the clash a personal edge as well as a rising level of competition on the pitch.
Youssef Belaïli’s injury
Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic chose to rotate some players in the 3-1 win over Zimbabwe, keeping core names ready for the Saudi friendly scheduled for November 18.
Mahrez himself missed the Zimbabwe game after receiving authorization from the staff, as he welcomed a newborn into his family.
Despite the positive mood in camp, Mahrez’s comments carried a note of sadness about Youcef Belaïli’s serious knee injury with Espérance de Tunis, a development that ends his hopes of appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations. “Youcef is unfortunate… we pray for his recovery; we will miss a player like him, which is very unfortunate for him and for us,” Mahrez said, underscoring the unity of the group.
His empathy was echoed by many Algerian teammates who voiced support for Belaïli after the injury was confirmed, showing the tight-knit bond within the squad beyond the field.
What Mahrez has achieved with Al Ahli
Mahrez joined Al Ahli in the summer of 2023, coming from Manchester City for around €35 million. He quickly became one of the defining players of the team, helping the club lift domestic silverware and push in continental competition.
Across 94 appearances in all comps, he has found the back of the net 33 times and laid on 41 assists, a tally that underlines his influence in the final third.
A pivotal figure
Since arriving in Jeddah, Mahrez has not merely been a marquee signing; he has evolved into a cornerstone of Al Ahli’s ambitious project, a leader on and off the field and a steady reference for the squad’s tactical approach. His calm presence, rather than loud declarations, has shaped the dressing room and helped bridge generations, from senior stars to the club’s young talents.
Technically, Mahrez is more than a traditional winger. The coach relies on him as a “ball director” in the final third, capable of turning a routine attack into a dangerous moment with a single, precise touch. His ability to operate between lines draws defenders and opens space for teammates, making him one of the most influential players for Al Ahli’s attacking play.
Under pressure, his composed style helps steady the team and lift spirits ahead of big fixtures. Even set-pieces have benefitted from his refined touch, turning static moments into real threats for opponents.
All of this has helped shape a new identity for Al Ahli in a competitive league, with Mahrez at the center of a project that blends European experience with Middle Eastern ambition. He’s become a reference point for both the coach and his teammates, illustrating how leadership and quality can coexist on a single pitch.
Punchline time: If football were a sniper rifle, Mahrez would be the one who never misses—except when he’s aiming for the couch after a long flight, in which case even his passes manage to land gently on the sofa of destiny.
Final zing: And remember, in football as in life, Mahrez doesn’t chase the perfect pass—he makes the perfect pass chase him. If only my Wi-Fi were as reliable as his quality switch of gears!
