Riyad Mahrez has been described as the world’s best player for first touch and ball control by Como midfielder Maxence Caqueret, with Algerian-French journalist Ismail Bouabdallah also backing the former Algeria international.
Mahrez, 35, is currently without a club after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last summer. However, WinWin reported exclusively on Friday that the former Algeria winger has reached a preliminary agreement with Qatar’s Al-Shamal to join the club for one season, with an option to extend for another year.
Caqueret made his comments while appearing on the Kampo podcast hosted by Bouabdallah. When asked about players who excel in first touch and controlling the ball, the Como midfielder selected Mahrez.
Bouabdallah agreed with Caqueret’s assessment and said Mahrez’s ability in that area puts him alongside some of football’s most celebrated players.
The journalist said Mahrez’s control of the ball is a quality he considers difficult to match, while naming former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Argentina forward Lionel Messi among those capable of competing with him.
Bouabdallah said: “I tell them that the best player in the world in terms of first touch of the ball is Mahrez, and the only players who can compete with him are Messi, Zidane, Bergkamp and Ronaldinho. They say Neymar to me, and I reply: He controls the ball, then he goes off with speed.”
Caqueret then recalled facing Mahrez during a friendly match between Como and Al-Ahli in the summer of 2025, using the encounter as an example of the Algerian’s technical ability.
“Mahrez, no, Mahrez is the best, and on top of that, I played against him.”
The Como midfielder went on to describe what he saw from Mahrez during the match, despite the game taking place during the pre-season period.
He added: “And last year, he also came here with Al Ahly. Even in that match, although it was during the preparation period, it was the first match for all of us. You had just returned from vacation, and the temperatures were very high, I don’t know how high they were. He was making touch after touch, and I said to myself: No, no, honestly, there is no room for discussion that he is the best at controlling the ball.”
First touch and close control have long been regarded as important parts of Mahrez’s technical game. The Algerian’s ability with the ball has accompanied him throughout his career and contributed to the individual honours he collected with his clubs and Algeria.
Mahrez also achieved a number of individual successes with the teams he represented before ending his international career with Algeria.
His current club situation remains unresolved, although the reported preliminary agreement with Al-Shamal could provide the next step in his career if the proposed move is completed.
For Caqueret, however, Mahrez’s standing is already clear. Having faced the Algerian himself, the Como midfielder believes his first touch and ball control set him apart from the other players he has seen.
