Anis Hadj Moussa
FEY
Starts for UCL opener
Moussa (not injury related) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Barcelona.
Analysis: Moussa is back for Feyenoord after some disciplinary issues kept him away from the team, an option for UCL action as he starts immediately. He is coming off some time at the World Cup and earned a decent role with the club in last season's Europa League campaign, so he will look to hold down a starting role. The question to be answered his how well he will do at this level.
Should be available Wednesday
Moussa (not injury related) is no longer suspended and should be an option for Wednesday's UCL match against FC Barcelona, according to manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. "He's doing well. He had some disciplinary issues and was unable to secure a transfer, but he has changed his attitude and decided to stay with us. We need to manage his workload properly. He's a player who can be a game-changer for us."
Analysis: Moussa didn't play in Feyenoord's previous league match after an internal suspension for disciplinary issues following a failed transfer to Al-Ittihad, but his return to training, inclusion in the squad for Wednesday's match, and van Bronckhorst's statement confirm he's available again. It remains to be seen if he'll be a starter, but he should be one of Feyenoord's most dangerous players in Europe -- he has contributed to two goals already (one goal, one assist) this term.
Traveling to Barcelona
Hadj Moussa will travel with Feyenoord to Barcelona Tuesday for Wednesday's Champions League opener at Camp Nou, according to 1908.nl.
Analysis: Hadj Moussa had been the subject of transfer speculation linking him to Al-Ittihad in recent days, a move that ultimately fell through after the Saudi club could not provide a bank guarantee, and his absence from the squad in the recent win over NEC Nijmegen was tied to those discussions rather than a footballing decision. He trained Monday with the squad and has already contributed a goal and an assist across four Eredivisie appearances this season, and his trip to Spain now confirms the transfer saga is behind him as he remains under contract with Feyenoord through mid 2030.
Doubt to face Barcelona
Moussa is doubtful to face Barcelona on Wednesday after he was left out of the squad in the win over NEC Nijmegen last Saturday due to disciplinary reasons.
Analysis: Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst didn't disclose the reasons why Moussa wasn't in the squad Saturday other than calling it a disciplinary reason. With that in mind, it remains to be seen whether the forward will be back in the mix when Feyenoord takes on Barcelona on Wednesday. Moussa has one goal and one assist in four Eredivisie appearances this season.
Corner leads to winner
Hadj Moussa had one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Monday's 2-1 victory over Jordan.
Analysis: Hadj Mousa came on as a sub with 14 minutes to go and took three corners. Two of these corners were successful, and one led to the goal that became the winner. His cross found Ramy Bensebaini, whose shot was blocked. The ball fell to Amine Gouiri, who scored the winner. He had started the opening game against Argentina, but was moved to the bench for the second game.
Takes one shot vs Argentina
Hadj Moussa had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 3-0 loss versus Argentina.
Analysis: Hadj Moussa had a quiet outing and could not do much stat-wise before subbing off in the 64th minute. The forward was one of five players that took shots for Algeria. He also took one of their two corner kicks in the match.
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