Ismael Bennacer is probably better known for his surprise / shock call up to the Algeria squad in the African Nations in January this year after Saphir Taider was injured during training. Bennacer did not actually get on the pitch, but the experience would of been invaluable to him.
The young Algerian joined Arsenal in 2015 from French club Arles, signing a five-year contract. He had made six appearances for the team of his birth before impressing the Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi. Arsenal had watched Bennacer on a number of occasions before signing the youngster.
Bennacer joined the club as an attacking midfielder but had been playing for the Under23s as a defensive midfielder due to his ability to win the ball. He also possesses an excellent left foot and has good passing ability.
He may only be 5’9 but he is an extremely talented and strong player. Bennacer sees himself as a more attacking midfielder, but has a good engine so is able to get up and down the pitch.
The youngster has only played once for Arsenal which was against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, but manager Arsene Wenger is a clear fan, having turned down bids in the summer from a few Premier League teams who were interested in loaning him with a buy clause added.
Tours FC however have picked up the Algerian on loan for six months. He has already played eight times for the French side. However, things have not gone according to plan for Bennacer with Tours manager Fabien Mercadal sacked after a run of poor results. His replacement Nouredine El Ouardani did not include the Algerian in his first squad surprisingly for Bennacer, as the previous two games he had been in fine form.
If the youngster can impress in France then we may yet see Bennacer force his way into the first team for next season. He certainly has the passing ability and technical skills to make an impact at the Emirates maybe not as a starter, but a player who appears off the bench and makes an impact. With Arsenal struggling in midfield due to players being injured or in poor form, next season is a big opportunity for Bennacer to break through and impress.
For Bennacer to have that chance will probably hinge on manager Arsene Wenger staying at the club with the Frenchman a huge admirer of the young Algerian midfielder.
It will be interesting to see how he continues to perform at Tours for the remainder of the season.
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