Nabil Neghiz has praised the form of Amine Gouiri and Himad Abdelli, describing the two Algeria internationals as among Marseille’s most convincing performers during an inconsistent start to the season.
Marseille have won four and lost four of their Ligue 1 matches, leaving them eighth in the table, while their ambitions and status suggest they would expect to be higher. Their European campaign has been even more difficult, with three defeats from three games in the Europa League.
The club have scored more goals than any other side in the French top flight, with 18, but have also conceded 13, giving them the league’s 11th-best defensive record.
In a squad weakened by several departures that the club’s limited finances prevented them from replacing fully, Gouiri and Abdelli have stood out. Gouiri, 26, has won 28 caps for Algeria and scored 11 international goals. Since arriving at Marseille in January 2025, he has scored five times and supplied two assists this season, including one in the 4-3 victory over Le Havre on 25 October.
Abdelli, also 26, has 11 caps for Algeria and has found the net three times since joining Marseille from Angers during the last winter transfer window.
Neghiz, who is preparing Niger for the next two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Morocco, has been monitoring both players from Niamey.
Gouiri’s only concern has been his occasional fitness problems rather than any lack of ability. Muscle injuries and a more serious shoulder problem kept the former Lyon player out for more than three months last season.
He missed a further two weeks in 2026-2027 after suffering another hamstring problem during Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia in September, in a match played during the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.
Abdelli’s performances have been particularly encouraging compared with his first six months in southern France, when he was still adapting to his new surroundings. Since then, he has established himself in the team and Marseille manager Bruno Genesio has given him 634 minutes in Ligue 1.
“He needed time to adapt. He completed pre-season with Marseille and we can see that he is in good shape. He is a starter, and I think Abdelli will continue to improve and gain experience,” Neghiz said.
The next fixtures against Toulouse on 1 November, Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in the Europa League on 5 November, and Lens on 8 November will give both Algeria players further opportunities to add to their playing time and maintain their current form.