Moslem Anatouf is hoping a season-long loan at CS Constantine can restore the momentum that once made him one of Algeria’s most highly rated young forwards.
The attacker, born in Tindouf on 8 May 2006, was one of the leading figures in Algeria’s Under-17 side in 2023. He captained the team, led the attack and scored three goals at the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Algeria, including two against Somalia in the opening match and another against Congo.
At that stage, Anatouf appeared to be several steps ahead of his peers. Three years on, his progress has slowed, although his potential remains undiminished. A serious injury, the expectations surrounding his move to MC Alger, limited playing time and being deployed away from his natural position have all interrupted his development.
Last summer, he was reportedly attracting interest from Royal Antwerp, according to exclusive sources cited by Africafoot. His move to CS Constantine now offers an opportunity to focus on the basics: playing regularly, returning to his preferred role and rebuilding his progress.
A player ahead of his age group
Sofiane Benkhelifa, a coach and youth developer who has worked with USMA, Olympique Akbou and ES Setif, followed Anatouf during his rise through Algeria’s youth teams. He described a player who was not merely expected to emerge in the future, but was already central to his generation’s plans.
Arezki Remmane identified Anatouf even earlier. The former Under-17 coach, who also worked at the Algerian Football Federation Academy and is now USMA’s technical director, first noticed him in Tindouf in December 2019.
Remmane recalled seeing a player whose maturity stood out at only 13. Anatouf’s attitude away from the pitch also impressed those who worked with him, with his seriousness and professionalism repeatedly highlighted.
However, being promoted to older age groups for much of his youth career may have come at a cost. He played against older opponents and accumulated matches at a demanding pace. That workload was followed by a cruciate ligament injury, which brought his progress to a halt and required a lengthy rehabilitation, including treatment at Aspetar.
Benkhelifa believes the injury was a major factor, although it was not the only explanation. While Anatouf was recovering physically and learning to cope with the demands of playing again, several players from his generation continued to develop.
A forward used away from goal
MC Alger signed Anatouf for free in the summer of 2023 and handed him a five-year contract. Mohamed Mekhazni, the club’s former technical director and a former Algeria Under-20 coach, remembers a young player with an exceptionally professional approach.
But Mekhazni and Remmane both believe Anatouf has not always been used in the areas where he can have the greatest impact. A natural centre-forward has sometimes been moved away from goal, limiting his effectiveness.
He made 11 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2025/26 season but played only limited minutes and scored once. That gave him valuable exposure to senior football, but not enough continuity to recreate the momentum of his Under-17 years.
His loan to CS Constantine could therefore prove more significant than a routine temporary move. The club may provide the playing time, consistency and more natural position he needs.
Benkhelifa remains cautious but believes a revival is possible, while Mekhazni is more confident about Anatouf’s prospects.
Anatouf was also part of Algeria Under-21’s Mediterranean Games in Taranto title-winning campaign. He no longer occupied the central role he had held at Under-17 level, but remained in the squad and played the final half-hour of the final against Tunisia.
At 20, he must now rebuild step by step. He no longer needs to prove that he was a prodigy; at Constantine, he needs time, a settled position and a run of matches to move forward again.