Abdelnour Soualhia has been included in Algeria’s expanded squad list ahead of Brahim Hemdani’s first selections as national team manager, in what could prove an unexpected development for the 25-year-old defender.
The new Algeria staff are preparing for their opening fixtures against Zambia and Burundi and appear ready to widen the competition for places. Soualhia, who was largely unknown to the wider public only a few months ago, is among the players under consideration.
According to DZfoot, the centre-back, who plays for Telstar in the Eredivisie, is part of the provisional squad. His inclusion in the final list is not guaranteed, with that selection expected before 20 September, but his presence in the extended group is notable.
Soualhia was born in Angouleme in central-western France and has followed a steady route through the lower levels of the French game. He came through the ranks at his hometown club before spending time with Limoges and Trelissac.
In 2021, he was playing for Cognac in National 3, the fifth tier of French football. He then moved up two divisions by joining Avoine in National 1, before continuing his progression with Le Puy-en-Velay in Ligue 3 in 2024.
His performances during the 2025-2026 season attracted wider attention. Soualhia made 23 appearances and scored two goals for Le Puy, prompting AZ Alkmaar to move for him. The defender joined the Dutch club on a free transfer this summer on a two-year contract, with an option for a further season, and was subsequently loaned to Telstar.
It has been in the Netherlands that his career has taken its biggest step forward. Soualhia quickly established himself in the Eredivisie and made an immediate impact, scoring once and providing an assist in his first two appearances.
A left-footed centre-back standing at 1.94m, Soualhia offers strength in physical contests as well as confidence in possession. Those qualities could appeal to Hemdani’s staff, particularly in a position where Ramy Bensebaini remains Algeria’s main left-sided option.
Soualhia has previously spoken to Anti Chambre about his approach to the game, saying he prefers to “play out cleanly” rather than simply get rid of the ball. He also considers distribution one of his main strengths. AZ Alkmaar highlighted his physical potential and his ability to adapt quickly to Dutch football.
His provisional selection would underline the approach of the new Hemdani-Yahia partnership. Former internationals Baghdad Bounedjah, Yacine Brahimi and Youcef Belaili are also reportedly in the extended group, suggesting the staff are not looking to choose between experienced players and newcomers.
For Soualhia, however, the call would represent a significant gamble. At 25, with no previous international experience and only a few weeks at the highest level in the Netherlands, he is still an untested option.
The next challenge is to move from the provisional squad into the final list. If he does so, his rise will have taken another striking turn.