Riyad Mahrez was named among the substitutes as Algeria took on Uruguay in a friendly match on Tuesday, a decision that has reignited discussion about the veteran winger’s role within the national team setup.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic opted to leave the experienced forward out of the starting line-up for the encounter, which forms part of Algeria’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The move comes despite Mahrez’s long-standing importance to the team and his consistent contributions over more than a decade in international football.
The decision also highlights a broader pattern across Mahrez’s international career. According to figures compiled prior to the Uruguay friendly, the attacker has started matches on the bench 21 times out of his 112 appearances for Algeria since making his debut in 2014 under former coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
Substitute role in context
Of those 21 occasions where Mahrez did not begin the match, he was introduced from the bench 15 times, demonstrating that he has often still played a role even when not selected in the starting XI. On six occasions, however, he remained an unused substitute.
Despite these intermittent appearances off the bench, Mahrez has overwhelmingly been a regular starter for the national team. He has featured in the starting line-up 95 times, underlining his status as one of Algeria’s most trusted and influential players over the years.
A record of consistency and impact
Mahrez’s contribution to Algeria extends well beyond appearances. Before the Uruguay friendly, he had scored 38 goals for the national side, placing him among the most prolific players in the country’s history.
His tally makes him the second-highest scorer for Algeria, behind Islam Slimani, who leads the chart with 45 goals. Abdelhafid Tasfaout follows closely in third place with 36 goals.
The winger has also played a central role in some of Algeria’s most notable achievements, including their triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His performances during that tournament were widely regarded as instrumental to the team’s success.
Selection decisions under scrutiny
Petkovic’s decision to bench Mahrez against Uruguay may be viewed as part of a broader tactical approach or squad rotation during friendly matches. However, it inevitably draws attention given the player’s stature and track record.
With Algeria continuing their preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures, questions may persist about how Mahrez will be utilised moving forward—whether as a guaranteed starter or as part of a more flexible system.
Experience meets transition
Mahrez’s presence on the bench serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of international football, where even established stars must adapt to changing tactical demands. While the statistics confirm that such situations are not unprecedented in his career, they also reinforce the scale of his contribution when called upon.
As Algeria look ahead to future challenges, Mahrez’s experience and proven ability remain valuable assets—regardless of whether he begins matches on the pitch or among the substitutes.
