Houssem Aouar, Algeria’s New Maestro Shines Bright in Sweden Clash
I’ve been keeping an eye on the latest international friendlies, and one story that really caught my attention is the evolution of Houssem Aouar in the Algerian national team—especially in their recent match against Sweden. It's hard to ignore how dramatically Aouar has grown into his role since switching national allegiances from France to Algeria. Just two years ago, few would have predicted he'd become such a key figure. Yet here he is, orchestrating the midfield and commanding the game with the kind of presence that makes you stop and pay attention.
Born in Lyon and shaped at Olympique Lyonnais, Aouar was once seen as a future French international. But after a somewhat uncertain path, he embraced the Algerian jersey. And honestly? He looks right at home. What’s striking is how quickly he adapted—not just to the team or the tactics—but to the responsibility of being a central creative force. During Algeria’s recent encounter with Sweden, his impact was undeniable. His technical finesse, vision, and ability to break lines made Algeria’s midfield tick, even when the team as a whole struggled to find rhythm early on.
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The praise coming his way isn’t empty. Former Algerian international Hassan Yebda even admitted he was surprised by Aouar’s influence on the pitch. It’s not just about touches or passes—Aouar is decisive. He has five international goals to his name already and continues to deliver those killer passes in tight spaces. With 12 goals and 4 assists in the Saudi Pro League this past season with Al-Ittihad, it’s clear he’s maintained a high level, despite stepping away from European football.
Some critics might question his choice to move to the Gulf, but for Algeria, that move hasn’t dulled his edge. In fact, the climate and competitive tempo there might just be preparing him for the kind of conditions he’ll face during major African tournaments. Aouar’s name is now among the first on coach Vladimir Petkovic’s team sheet, and that tells you everything about the trust and importance he commands.
There’s also something to be said about chemistry and leadership. Aouar’s bond with Amine Gouiri, built during their years at Lyon, adds another layer of cohesion in the squad. And the fact that he’s comfortable speaking Arabic during media appearances shows how deeply he’s connected with the culture and his teammates.
With the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026 approaching fast, this is Aouar’s time to truly write his chapter in Algerian football history. The talent has always been there, but now the timing, maturity, and trust are all aligned. Against Sweden, even in a tough match, he was a beacon. And if his trajectory continues like this, we might soon be talking about him as one of Algeria’s all-time greats.
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