Algeria defender Youcef Atal welcomes goalkeeper Luca Zidane after nationality switch

Algeria international Youcef Atal has welcomed goalkeeper Luca Zidane to the national team after switching from France.

Despite featuring for the European country at the youth level, the 27-year-old shot-stopper has opted to represent Algeria at the international level.

Since switching allegiance, Luca Zidane has made just an appearances for the North African country.

For Youcef Atal, who plies his trade for Al Sadd, the arrival of Zinedine Zidane’s son represents above all an opportunity to strengthen the squad rather than a source of controversy.

“It’s always good to have another player for the national team. If Luca can help the national team, that’s what we want. Every player who can contribute to the national team is welcome in Algeria”

“I think it’s a positive point. I think he can contribute something and can help this group move forward. I wish him and our national team all the best,” he said as quoted by Foot Mercato.

He also emphasized that performance takes precedence over origins. Algeria, with a squad in rebuilding mode, is banking on the diversity of its talent, whether it comes from the diaspora or was developed locally.

Atal is convinced that this combination of varied profiles can propel the Greens to new successes on the continental stage.

With a rejuvenated and rebuilding squad, Algeria is banking on the diversity of its talent, whether it is developed locally or comes from the diaspora. A vision shared by Atal, who is convinced that this union of profiles and experiences can lead the Greens to new continental successes.