Haven't been active in a while, probably because Bentaleb was benched, but I come with a short update.
So the consensus is that Bentaleb will be at the World Cup. Would be a real shock to see him cut from the provisional squad. But because he sat for two months during the end of the season, it's uncertain if he'll start in Brazil.
His direct competition is Medhi Lacen. A 29 year-old veteran (stand-in captain) who was instrumental in helping Getafe avoid relegation. While Bentaleb was sitting, Lacen was playing every single match. There is a small chance that the midfield three could be:
Lacen-Taider
Bentaleb
But I'm not too confident of taking on Belgium and their physical midfielders (Fellaini, Witsel) with Bentaleb as a pure DM.
What will be crucial in how matters proceed are the upcoming friendlies. Algeria plays Armenia on May 31st and Romania on June 4th. Bentaleb will probably start one of those matches and his performance could determine how much he plays in Brazil.
I'll be attending both matches as a journo, so if you guys have any sexy messages to pass on, I can try to shout them in to him in the chaotic mixed zone.
Will come back with another update after the friendlies.
aulinhofacepalm:
