From England to Brazil: The African Connection

ALGERIA

Qualifying for successive World Cup finals is an outstanding achievement per se for an Algerian side which consists of few eminent footballers. Their renowned team-spirit has been the driving force in their spectacular march to Brazil. They have been drawn alongside Belgium, Russia and South Korea in Group H.

Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham)

Nabil Bentaleb

The teenager has enjoyed a spectacular rise in the last six months. The central midfielder was part of the youth development system at Spurs, but was immediately drafted into the first-team when Sherwood, his mentor and youth coach, took over as interim manager.

He has kept his place in the side since and is also aspiring for a place in Algeria’s World Cup squad. National head coach Vahid Halilhodzic will find it difficult to overlook an energetic and consistent young player who has regularly started ahead of senior internationals Sandro and Etienne Capoue for Tottenham.

Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace)

The seasoned campaigner, who made appearances as a substitute in all three of Algeria’s group matches in South Africa, was signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer. After starting regularly for hitherto manager Ian Holloway, he is yet to make an appearance since Tony Pulis took charge in November.

The defensive midfielder, nonetheless, remains an integral part of his national team setup.