Mezian Mesloub’s international future remains open as Algeria explore Mahrez connection

Algeria could ask Riyad Mahrez to help persuade teenage prospect Mezian Mesloub to choose the Fennecs, although no agreement has yet been reached with the player.

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the most promising dual-national talents of his generation. Mesloub can operate either as a central midfielder or on the wing, and recently attracted further attention in the Champions League by providing an assist against Slavia Prague.

That progress has encouraged the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) to make an early approach. However, the player is not understood to have committed himself to Algeria and currently wants to continue his international career with Portugal’s youth teams.

According to Winwin, the FAF is considering asking Mahrez to speak to Mesloub and his family as it attempts to influence the player’s eventual decision.

There is an established connection between the two families. Mahrez, the former captain of Algeria, knows Mezian Mesloub’s father, Walid Mesloub, who was also an Algeria international, from their time together at Le Havre. Mahrez is also believed to be one of the teenager’s footballing idols.

The Algerian federation hopes that Mahrez’s experience and standing could help explain its plans to the young player. However, the idea remains only a possibility at this stage. There is no indication that Mahrez has already become involved, or that any conversation would necessarily determine Mesloub’s choice.

Portugal experience

According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, a second approach from the FAF has not produced an agreement. Mesloub would prefer to continue representing Portugal at youth level for now before deciding later which country he will represent at senior level.

Born in Martigues to an Algerian father and a Portuguese mother, Mesloub is eligible to play for Algeria, Portugal and France. He has already represented Portugal at both Under-16 and Under-17 level.

His long-term decision is expected to come down primarily to Portugal and Algeria.

The interest from Algeria reflects Mesloub’s rapid emergence. His former coach, Dino Toppmoller, recently praised the teenager’s “personality” and his willingness to keep asking for the ball.

The FAF had previously contacted Walid Mesloub to sound out the family. Bringing Mahrez into the discussions would represent a further attempt to secure the international allegiance of one of the country’s most highly regarded dual-national prospects at an early stage.

Mahrez’s profile could provide Algeria with an influential voice as it presents its case, but international eligibility remains a personal decision. Any final choice will rest with Mesloub and his family.