Ismael Bennacer: One of the Best Algerian Midfielders

Ismael Bennacer is one of the best African midfielders in football today, the Algerian has impressed for club and country leading AC Milan to the Scudetto and Algeria to the 2019 AFCON title.

In world football, he is highly regarded alongside the likes of Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie and Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka as some of the best midfielders in the world.

Player Profile – Ismael Bennacer

Ismaël Bennacer is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for AC Milan in Serie A. Originally from France, he represents the Algeria national team.

Throughout his career, Bennacer has played for clubs in France, England, and Italy. He debuted for the Algerian senior team in 2016 and played a pivotal role in their victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named the tournament’s best player and provided the assist for the winning goal in the final.

Player Profile Overview

Ismael Bennacer’s Early Life and Background

Ismael Bennacer was born on December 1, 1997, in Arles, France, and comes from a family with Moroccan and Algerian roots. His father, a Moroccan bricklayer who endured a serious back injury, worked hard to support his family.

Bennacer’s mother, of Algerian descent, provided crucial cultural and emotional support. He is the third of four children, with an older brother who became an engineer and an older sister who studied law.

Early in his career, Bennacer left Scientific High School in Arles to pursue football, eventually moving from local club AC Arlésien to Arsenal.  He is the third of four children, with an older brother who became an engineer and an older sister who studied law.

Ismael Bennacer met his future wife, Chaines, during their schooling days at Scientific High School in Arles. She played a significant role in his life, particularly when he moved to England to play for Arsenal, helping him settle in.

Their relationship blossomed later, leading to marriage and a strong partnership supporting his professional journey.

Ismael Bennacer’s Playing Style and Strength

Ismaël Bennacer is a dynamic central midfielder known for his exceptional ball control, precise passing, and defensive tenacity.

His agility and dribbling skills allow him to navigate tight spaces and maintain possession, while his vision and creativity enable him to make impactful forward passes.

Ismael Bennacer’s high work rate and stamina facilitate his role as a box-to-box midfielder, contributing effectively to both defensive duties and attacking play.

Ismael Bennacer’s Career Highlights

Ismaël Bennacer started his career at French club Arles before moving to Arsenal in July 2015. He decided to sign for Arsenal rejecting Manchester City’s offer for him. Bennacer’s choice stemmed from Arsenal’s French Connections.

The Algerian had a torrid time at Arsenal only making a single appearance which was debut for Arsenal in a League Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday. He came on as a substitute for Theo Walcott who had earlier replaced an injured Oxlade Chamberlain in the match.

Ismael Bennacer was loaned to Ligue 2 side Tours for the rest of the 2016–17 season, where he scored his first goal on April 14, 2017, with a free kick against Sochaux. He made 16 appearances scoring only 1 goal for the club during his time in France.

Move to Serie B with Empoli

The Algerian was on the move to Serie B with Empoli, citing his feeling at being betrayed at Arsenal and signing with Empoli as a result of the truth they showed in his and his talents. Ismaël Bennacer joined the Italian club on August 21, 2017.

During the 2017–18 Serie B season, Ismael Bennacer made 39 appearances and scored 2 goals, helping Empoli win the Serie B title and secure promotion to Serie A.

Although Empoli was relegated the following season, Bennacer’s strong performances established him as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders. His performances saw a host of teams battle for his signature, ultimately he chose to remain in the Serie A, signing for Italian Giants A.C. Milan.

Ismael is a Rossoneri

AC Milan signed Ismaël Bennacer from Empoli for €16 million plus bonuses. He signed for the Rossoneri at the same time as Theo Hernandez, Alexis Saelemaekers, Simon Kjaer, and Rafael Leão.

He made his debut on as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Udinese. Bennacer’s first start came on August 31 in a 1–0 win against Brescia, and he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 victory over Bologna in Serie A.

Winning the Scudetto

During the 2021–22 season, Ismaël Bennacer played 30 matches across all competitions, significantly contributing to AC Milan’s second-place finish in the league the previous season.

His impressive performances earned praise from Italian pundits, particularly for his dominant displays against top teams like Inter and Napoli.

Ismael Bennacer scored crucial goals, including one in a 4–2 win over Bologna and a stunning strike against Cagliari. He ended the season with multiple goals for the first time in Serie A.

Bennacer’s impressive performances alongside Rafael Leao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud helped AC Milan win the 2021-22 Serie A league title after a 3–0 victory at U.S. Sassuolo Calcio.

Ismael Bennacer Signs A New Contract with AC Milan

Ismaël Bennacer extended his AC Milan contract until June 30, 2027. He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, netting the only goal in a 1–0 win over Napoli in the quarter-finals.

However, Bennacer suffered a right knee injury in May 2023, requiring surgery that kept him out of the final five games of the season and the first half of the 2023–24 season. The Algerian made his return on December 2, 2023, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 home victory against Frosinone.

Ismael Bennacer’s International Career

Although Ismaël Bennacer had previously played for France at youth levels, he switched his international allegiance to Algeria on July 31, 2016.

He made his debut for the Algerian national team in a 6–0 win over Lesotho during a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Bennacer was subsequently called up to the squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to replace the injured Saphir Taïder.

Winning the AFCON with Algeria

At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he played a pivotal role in Algeria’s first title in 29 years, finishing as a joint-top assist provider with three assists, including one for Baghdad Bounedjah’s winning goal in the final. Bennacer was honoured as both the “Best Young Player” and the “Best Player” of the tournament.

Ismael Bennacer was named in Algeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in December 2023. However, the Desert Warriors had a disappointing tournament, failing to win a single match at the tournament and exiting the competition at the group stage.

Comparison with Other Football Greats

Ismaël Bennacer’s playing style is often compared to that of N’Golo Kanté and Marco Verratti. Like Kanté, Bennacer is known for his relentless work rate, defensive capabilities, and ability to break up opposition attacks.

His style also mirrors Verratti’s in terms of exceptional ball control, precise passing, and composure under pressure. Both players share a similar ability to dictate the game’s tempo and excel in defensive and offensive midfield roles.

Ismael Bennacer’s Inspiration and Idols

Ismaël Bennacer has cited N’Golo Kanté as a major source of inspiration. He admires Kanté’s tireless work ethic, defensive prowess, and impact in midfield.

Outside of Football

Ismaël Bennacer is a devout Muslim, which plays a central role in his life, guiding his values and actions. Bennacer is known for his modesty and prefers a low-profile lifestyle, avoiding extravagant displays of wealth.

He enjoys various sports outside of football, including boxing and ping-pong, and places high importance on fitness and hard work. His commitment to his family is evident in his close relationships with his parents and siblings, and he often credits them for his success.

Bennacer is married to Chaines, whom he met during his school days in Arles. Their relationship began during their time at the Scientific High School and strengthened when Chaines supported him while he was playing for Arsenal in England. Their partnership has been a source of stability and support throughout his career.

The Algerian midfielder also engages in charitable activities, such as visiting orphanages in his mother’s hometown in Algeria to bring joy to children.

Conclusion

Ismaël Bennacer has made a significant impact in football with his dynamic midfield play. From his early days in France to his success with Empoli and AC Milan, Bennacer has showcased exceptional skill and vision.

His role was crucial in AC Milan’s Serie A title win in 2022 and Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019, where he earned accolades as the tournament’s best player.

Despite recent injury challenges, Bennacer remains a vital presence for both his club and the Algerian national team, highlighting his standing as one of the top midfielders of his era.