Ramez Zerrouki has emerged as one of the Dutch league’s leading midfielders for passing into the attacking third and recovering possession, with his latest statistics offering a response to the criticism he has faced from Algerian supporters.
The 28-year-old Algeria international has completed 84 passes into the attacking third for FC Twente this season, the highest figure recorded in the Dutch league, according to ScoutingStats.
Zerrouki’s total places him ahead of Feyenoord’s Mika Marmol, who has registered 79 such passes. The figures highlight the midfielder’s contribution to building attacks and challenge the perception that he struggles to move the ball forward quickly.
The statistics come at a difficult time for Zerrouki, who has faced sustained criticism following his involvement with Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. Some supporters have called for him to be permanently left out of the national team.
There have also been reports that Zerrouki could be omitted from the plans of new Algeria coach Ibrahim Hamdani during this month’s training camp.
His difficulties have not been limited to international football. The midfielder also attracted criticism in the Netherlands following an unsuccessful spell at Feyenoord, after which he returned to FC Twente.
That period led to doubts among some Dutch observers and supporters about whether Zerrouki could perform at the highest level with major clubs.
However, his current numbers with Twente present a different picture. ScoutingStats placed him among the strongest players in the Dutch league for both playmaking and defensive work in midfield.
His passing statistics are particularly notable because they contradict the criticism often directed at him during Algeria matches. Fans have regularly blamed the former Feyenoord player for the national team’s midfield problems, arguing that he does not contribute enough to the construction of attacks or the acceleration of play.
The data from the Dutch league suggests that Zerrouki has been more effective in that area for Twente this season.
The midfielder has also produced strong defensive figures. According to ScoutingStats, he ranks second in the Dutch league for recovering possession.
Zerrouki has won the ball back 40 times for Twente so far this season. Only PSV Eindhoven’s Mauro Junior has recorded more recoveries, with 48.
The contrast between Zerrouki’s club statistics and his performances for Algeria is likely to renew the debate over his role with the national team. It also raises questions about how his abilities are being used by the Desert Warriors.
Since the beginning of the season, Zerrouki has played 12 matches for Twente in all competitions, starting every game. He has scored one goal and supplied one assist.
His latest figures do not erase the criticism surrounding his international performances, but they do provide evidence of a midfielder making a significant contribution in both possession and recovery for his club.
