ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Anis Hadj Moussa is rapidly establishing himself as a key figure for Feyenoord Rotterdam under the guidance of manager Robin van Persie. The Algerian international has already contributed to 18 goals this season (10 goals and 8 assists) for the Eredivisie side, and is quickly becoming known for his ability to unlock defenses. More recently, Hadj Moussa surpassed 100 successful dribbles in the Eredivisie this season, solidifying his position as the league’s most prolific dribbler.
The 24-year-old showcased his skill against NAC Breda on Sunday, completing 4 of 8 dribble attempts in a 3-3 draw. This performance underscored his mastery in one-on-one situations, with a level of agility and precision that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most exciting wingers. His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting interest from clubs in England and beyond.
Hadj Moussa: The Natural Successor to Mahrez?
In the Netherlands, no other player in the top flight can match Hadj Moussa’s dribbling prowess. According to data following weekend matches, Van Bergen (97 dribbles) and Orjasaeter (89) trail behind him in the Eredivisie dribbling charts. This statistic highlights the quality of Hadj Moussa, who is a constant threat on the right wing. Many observers have noted similarities to Riyad Mahrez during his prime, recalling the Algerian captain’s ability to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Hadj Moussa’s emergence comes at a crucial time for the Algerian national team, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic has increasingly integrated Hadj Moussa into the starting lineup, preparing him to potentially take on a leading role following Mahrez’s recent international retirement. Petkovic has even experimented with formations that allow both Hadj Moussa and Mahrez to feature in the same lineup, recognizing the potential synergy between the two players.
Born in Paris, France, on February 11, 2002, Hadj Moussa’s journey to prominence has been a steady climb through the French youth system. He began his career with US Torcy and FC Montfermeil before joining the RC Lens academy in 2018. He first featured for Lens’ reserve team before making a move to Belgium with Olympic Charleroi in 2022, where he quickly established himself as a standout player. A subsequent spell at Patro Eisden followed in June 2023, before a loan move to Vitesse Arnhem in February 2024. It was his performances at Vitesse that caught the eye of Feyenoord, who secured his signature on a five-year contract in April 2024.
His transfer to Feyenoord represented a significant financial gain for Patro Eisden, reportedly a record transfer fee for the club. Since joining Feyenoord, Hadj Moussa has continued to impress, becoming a vital component of Van Persie’s attack. Though, Sunday’s match against FC Twente proved a frustrating one for both the player and the team.
According to Feyenoord’s official website, Hadj Moussa hit the inside of the post during the early stages of the match against Twente, a promising sign that unfortunately didn’t translate into a goal. The game ultimately ended in a 2-0 defeat for Feyenoord, compounded by injuries to Gijs Smal and Bart Nieuwkoop. The loss also allowed rivals Ajax to close the gap in the race for second place in the Eredivisie standings.
Despite the setback, Hadj Moussa’s individual form remains a bright spot for Feyenoord. His ability to create chances and beat defenders consistently makes him a valuable asset, and his continued development will be crucial as the team looks to secure a Champions League spot. The Algerian’s market value currently stands at €20.00 million, according to Transfermarkt, reflecting his growing reputation and potential.
Looking ahead, Feyenoord will face NAC Breda on Sunday, March 8th, at 4:45 p.m. Local time (CET). This match presents an opportunity for Hadj Moussa and his teammates to bounce back from their defeat against Twente and strengthen their position in the league table. For Hadj Moussa, it’s another chance to showcase his dribbling skills and contribute to Feyenoord’s success, while also building momentum ahead of potential international duty with Algeria.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a significant opportunity for Hadj Moussa to make a name for himself on the global stage. His performances for Feyenoord will undoubtedly be closely watched by both Algerian fans and scouts from clubs across Europe. As he continues to develop and refine his game, Anis Hadj Moussa is poised to become a key player for both club and country.
Feyenoord fans will be hoping that Hadj Moussa can maintain his impressive form and lead the team to a successful end to the season. His dribbling ability, combined with his goal-scoring threat, makes him a player to watch in the Eredivisie and beyond.
Next up for Feyenoord is their away match against NAC Breda on March 8th. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage and analysis.
