Boudebouz ready to be unleashed on England
Algerian captain Anther Yahia has called for his side to be more adventurous against England in their second 2010 FIFA World Cupâ„¢ Group C match on Friday – and the raw young talent of Ryad Boudebouz could provide the quality they are after. The 20-year-old has only 45 minutes of international experience, gained in friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, but is already being hailed as the rising star of the Algerian national side.
- And with Algeria needing something special to recover from their opening 1-0 defeat by Slovenia, this could be the time for the French-born youngster to shine. “Ryad has fitted into the squad really well,” said team-mate Madjid Bougherra. “He is a talented player who represents the future of the national side. Whether he is a starter or a substitute, he brings this craziness, this nonchalance.”
- His talent has also been appreciated by two former Algerian playing greats Lakhdar Belloumi and Salah Assad which has given him great pleasure. “It is very pleasing that everyone is counting on me,” said Boudebouz. “I must not disappoint them. If I come on, it is to add something to the team on the pitch. The coach (Rabah Saadane) has told me to go out and play my natural game.”
- Boudebouz was courted strongly by the Algerians after he had played two full seasons for Sochaux, who he joined aged 12, and appeared at every youth level for France, before eventually pinning his colours to the Algerian mast. “When I enter a game, I try to bring movement and creativity into the attack,” he said. “Up till now, it has pretty much succeeded.”