Riyad Mahrez #7

Profile

Very few footballers can match what Mahrez has achieved in the game. Among his accolades, the Algeria captain boasts five Premier League titles, a Champions League winner’s medal, two FA Cups, three League Cups, PFA and CAF player of the year awards, and many other individual and club honours. The only blemish on his career for Algeria fans is that lack of a stellar display at a World Cup. In 2014 his only appearance came in a 2-1 defeat to Belgium where he registered 37 touches, was dispossessed three times and was substituted in the 71st minute. He did not feature again as Algeria surged to the Last 16. Now aged 35 and nearing the twilight of his career, he is determined to lead Algeria into the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the very first time. Such an achievement would elevate his status in African footballing lore. Still, some fans argue that he no longer has the legs to justify a starting place for Algeria, and that it may already be time to hand the mantle to rising talents such as Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa.

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