Brahim Hemdani is considering a reshaped Algeria attack to accommodate Bachir Belloumi and Anis Hadj Moussa, a move that could see Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza take up a new position.

The Algeria manager is assessing his options ahead of the November international break and the two matches against Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. According to WinWin, Hemdani wants to field both Belloumi and Hadj Moussa, despite the two left-footed players favouring the right wing.

Hadj Moussa appeared the obvious choice to replace Riyad Mahrez on the right following the former captain’s international retirement. Belloumi’s emergence, however, has complicated that plan.

The Hull City player made a strong impression during his first Algeria camp, featuring against Zambia, Burundi and Niger. He started Hemdani’s first match in charge against Zambia, with Hadj Moussa coming on as a substitute before leaving the game with an injury.

WinWin reports that Hemdani is therefore considering moving Lakhdar Belloumi’s son into an attacking midfield role. His technical ability is viewed as giving him the qualities required to operate as a playmaker.

That adjustment would raise a further question over Maza’s position.

It would be difficult to leave the Bayer Leverkusen player, regarded as one of Algeria’s leading talents, out of the starting line-up. If his preferred central role were occupied, the Berlin-born player could instead be moved to the left.

Versatility is one of Maza’s main strengths. Although he is a natural number 10, he can also play as a central midfielder or on either wing. He operated as a left winger in Bayer Leverkusen’s second Bundesliga match of the season, scoring his first goal in a 4-0 victory over Union Berlin.

That role could allow Maza to operate as an “inverted playmaker”, using his technical quality to influence the game from the flank and create opportunities from a wider position.

However, this remains only a possible solution. Hadj Moussa and Belloumi have both played on the left at various stages of their careers, meaning the alternatives are not limited to Maza.

Hemdani must decide whether the proposed reshuffle would genuinely strengthen Algeria without reducing Maza’s influence in the centre. His ability to find space between the lines and his vision are important qualities, and they would be difficult to replace with a natural winger.

The challenge for Hemdani is to find a system that allows all three players to contribute effectively, while preserving the qualities that have made Maza so important in the central attacking role.