Adil Boulbina praises Riyad Mahrez and takes a jab at Vladimir Petkovic | OneFootball

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Adil Boulbina pays tribute to Mahrez and puts pressure on Petkovic

Adil Boulbina praises Riyad Mahrez and takes a jab at Vladimir Petkovic

The clash between Al-Duhail and Al-Ahli on Matchday 2 of the AFC Champions League delivered plenty of drama for Algerian fans. While Riyad Mahrez found the net for Al-Ahli, once again confirming his status as a leader, it was another international who caught the spotlight off the pitch: Adil Boulbina. After a dazzling season last year in Ligue 1 Mobilis, where he finished as top scorer, the young forward seized the opportunity in the mixed zone to send a subtle message to Vladimir Petkovic.

This statement didn’t go unnoticed and sounds like an invitation for the Greens’ head coach to give him a chance. Now settled at Al-Duhail this season, Boulbina is proving his worth with 4 goals and 3 assists in just 10 matches, totaling 844 minutes on the pitch. These are solid numbers, reflecting his steady rise. His openly stated ambition to return to the national team is no surprise, as his attacking profile continues to impress and could bolster a squad still searching for stability. By citing Mahrez as a role model, Boulbina sends a clear message: he’s ready to take the next step and proudly wear the Greens’ shirt himself.