It doesn’t reflect particularly well on the Algerian Premier League that, with over half of the season remaining, Ahmed Kendouci is still third in the Golden Boot rankings.
The former ES Setif talisman left the competition behind over two months ago, after all, joining Egyptian giants Al Ahly in a deal worth around £1 million at the end of the January transfer window.
To their credit, Setif have limped on admirably without their star man. And while Kendouci might already have an Egyptian Cup winners’ medal to show for his first few months at Al Ahly, that success may have tasted a little bittersweet.
The stylish 23-year-old did not even get off the bench for that 2-1 victory over Pyramids.
In fact, of the 11 games Al Ahly have played since signing a player dubbed the ’best in the league’ during his time at ES Setif, Kendouci has only started on four occasions.
Todd Cantwell over Ahmed Kendouci
Would he have found first-team minutes easier to come by at Rangers?
The Glasgow giants, according to Football Scotland, held initial talks with the Algeria international ahead of the January transfer window.
Rangers were reportedly ‘confident’ of agreeing a deal at the time. That was before Mick Beale’s side turned their attention to Todd Cantwell; snapping up a player once valued in the £40 million for a cut-price £1.5 million.
Cantwell is already one of the first names on Beale’s Ibrox team sheet. He is striking up a fine understanding with Malik Tillman in the attacking midfield position. The role Kendouci appeared destined to fill before Cantwell arrived from Norwich City in his place.
‘Out of this world’
“His creative passing figures are out of this world,” stats website Total Football Analysis say of Kendouci; a ‘number ten’ with an eye for goal. “He has a top passing quality to get the ball into dangerous positions and a great view of the pitch. His great delivery from set pieces also contributes to these figures.
“Kendouci has the technical quality to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and escape pressure. He’s also very creative with his first touch. (He) can leave players behind with unexpected flicks, and carries the ball forward at a very good speed.
“But apart from creating chances, Kendouci also stands out as a finisher himself. He gets into the box a lot and poses a big goal threat.”
Kendouci was a big fish in a small pond at ES Setif. At Al Ahly, however, it’s more a case of sink or swim. Fail to impress, and it won’t be long before the sharks are circling, smelling blood.
With an Egyptian Cup in the bag, with Al Ahly into the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and unbeaten in 19 domestic matches, Kendouci’s debut season at the Cairo International Stadium could still end in a treble.
How much of a role Kendouci plays in what is shaping up to be an historic season at Al Ahly, however, remains to be seen.
