While away training with the Algeria national team, youngster Ismael Bennacer admitted that he wants to learn from Leicester City stars, Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.

Slimani only signed for the Foxes (after coincidentally also being linked with Arsenal) from Sporting on deadline day, while Mahrez recently ‘turned down’ (he didn’t) a move to the Emirates in favour of signing a new Leicester contract. Both are accomplished players and, to be fair, great role models for Bennacer to learn from. At least on the pitch, anyway.

Speaking to the Algerian press recently, Bennacer, who is originally from France and previously represented them at a youth level, revealed that he hopes to learn from both Mahrez and Slimani, as well as Porto’s Yacine Brahimi.

“In all ways and as they say, competition advances, and that is why I came to the Algerian selection,” he said.

“To evolve alongside experienced players like Mahrez, Slimani or Brahimi will be very beneficial for me. I learn a lot with the players, especially since I’m still young, I have the whole future ahead of me.”

Algeria’s next match is against Lesotho on the 4th of September. It’s an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and would therefore be a huge match for Bennacer to be involved in, if he is.