Fares Chaibi returns to the Algeria squad for the double-header against Togo after rebuilding his confidence at Eintracht Frankfurt, following a difficult international outing in Burundi.
The 23-year-old scored an own goal inside five minutes in Bujumbura, turning a poorly controlled move into an unexpected early lead for Burundi. Algeria recovered to draw 2-2, but their struggles in midfield remained apparent.
Chaibi was deployed in a central unit alongside Himad Abdelli, with neither player suited to the defensive holding role required of a number six. He appeared uncomfortable throughout and was substituted after 65 minutes, bringing an unhappy performance to an early end.
His form in Germany has since improved. Chaibi has regained a regular place in Eintracht Frankfurt’s starting line-up and has made several consecutive starts. He contributed decisively in the German Cup against Hamburg before providing an assist in the 2-2 draw with Paderborn.
He now has one goal and two assists in nine appearances in all competitions this season. Those figures are not outstanding, but his increased consistency means he joins up with Algeria possessing more rhythm and confidence than he had during Brahim Hemdani’s first squad gathering.
His return to form, however, does not answer the central question surrounding his international future: where should he play for the Greens?
Finding Chaibi’s best position
The match in Bujumbura underlined that Chaibi is not a defensive midfielder. He can help build attacks, press opponents and support forward movements, but he lacks the positioning instincts and physical presence of a player whose primary responsibility is to shield the defence.
His use on the left has also produced mixed results. Chaibi does not always have the acceleration needed to beat an opponent in a congested wide area, and he often moves inside to become more involved in possession. His most natural position appears to be somewhere between the roles: an attacking central midfielder or a free-ranging player able to advance from midfield.
Competition for those positions is strong, with Ibrahim Maza, Himad Abdelli, Adem Zorgane and, when available, Houssem Aouar also in contention. Hemdani will need to give Chaibi a clearly defined role rather than use him to fill a vacancy in an unfamiliar position.
Chaibi retains significant credit from the 2026 World Cup, where he was one of Algeria’s most consistent performers over the course of the tournament. He regularly offered solutions when the team struggled to build from midfield.
But with 30 caps already to his name and his 24th birthday approaching, he can no longer be treated as a prospect who should be given unlimited time to develop. As a starter for an important Bundesliga club, he has the experience to become more than a squad player.
The expectation is not that he becomes a vocal leader. Instead, Chaibi must lead through his football: demanding the ball, controlling the tempo and taking responsibility when Algeria face difficult moments.
The two matches against Togo provide an immediate opportunity to respond, erase the memory of his own goal and show that Bujumbura was an isolated setback rather than a reflection of his current standing with Algeria.