Cesc Fabregas praises Anis Hadj Moussa after Feyenoord win over Como

Cesc Fabregas said Como do not currently have a player capable of influencing a match like Anis Hadj Moussa after the Algeria international inspired Feyenoord Rotterdam to a 3-2 victory in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Hadj Moussa scored Feyenoord’s second goal and played a major part in their third as the Dutch side recovered from falling behind to Assane Diao’s 18th-minute opener for the Italian club.

The Algerian levelled the contest’s momentum when he cut inside on to his left foot before producing a finish that found the net. He then contributed to the decisive third goal, with his long-range effort striking the post before rebounding off goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and crossing the line.

Those two decisive moments left a strong impression on Fabregas, Como’s manager, who praised Feyenoord’s performance while accepting that his side had been second best.

“They are a very good team, who know how to play very well. We have the same ideas. I think they were simply better than us today,” said the former Spain international.

Fabregas then singled out Hadj Moussa for particular recognition.

“Anis Hadj Moussa is an exceptional player and, at the moment, we do not have this kind of player who is capable of making the difference in this type of match as he does.”

The assessment carries added weight given Fabregas’ reputation for high standards and his own experience alongside some of the game’s most celebrated players, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry.

Hadj Moussa’s display also reflects the praise he received from Robin van Persie, the former Feyenoord manager who was familiar with the winger’s qualities and regularly spoke highly of him.

The 23-year-old’s influence has extended beyond his European performances. In the Eredivisie, the Algeria international has scored five goals and provided one assist in seven matches.

He scored four times in two games during September and was subsequently named the Dutch league’s player of the month.

That form comes after an unsettled summer in which Hadj Moussa’s future was the subject of sustained speculation. He was repeatedly linked with a move away from Rotterdam, including reports of interest from Al-Ittihad, but ultimately remained at Feyenoord.

He now appears to have taken another step forward at the club. Having earned Van Persie’s confidence, Hadj Moussa has also won the emphatic approval of Fabregas.

Both men are former Arsenal stars, and both have been impressed by the same Algerian talent.