Karim Ghazi, former Algerian international player, has offered divergent advice regarding the future in the national team for certain players. He suggests that Riyad Mahrez should retire from international football, while asserting that Islam Slimani and Youcef Belaïli could still positively contribute to the Algerian team.
Ghazi expressed his opinion in an interview with the sports television channel El Heddaf. He emphasized Mahrez’s status as a great player but felt it was time for him to announce his international retirement, noting Mahrez’s recent decline of call-ups. Ghazi also fears that Mahrez might become a scapegoat in case of poor results.
“Riyad Mahrez is a great player and will always remain so. But in my opinion, it’s time for him to announce his international retirement. Even when he receives a call-up, he politely declines it. He has played at the highest level, and I believe he knows when it’s time to leave the stage because he deserves to go out on a high note,” he said.
Regarding Islam Slimani, Ghazi took a different stance. Despite Slimani’s advanced age (36 years), Ghazi believes he can still contribute to the team as a high-level striker. Slimani had a mixed season in Belgium, but Ghazi remains convinced of his potential.
As for Youcef Belaïli, Ghazi expressed admiration for the player’s past performances in the national team and expressed his wish to see him make a strong comeback with the Greens.
In summary, Ghazi recommends international retirement for Mahrez while encouraging Slimani and Belaïli to continue representing the national team, each for specific reasons related to their position and current potential.
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