Champions League: Mezian Mesloub shines with Lens! (video)

Crucial at the end of the season with Lens, young Mezian Mesloub (16 years old) made an impressive debut yesterday in the Champions League!

The cycle has come full circle in a way, as he scored a late goal against Nantes in May to qualify his team for the prestigious European competition, and it was again he who helped his team secure victory in their first match against Slavia Prague.

Coming on in the 61st minute while his team was trailing 1-0 away, he contributed to the equalizer scored by Abdallah Sima (71st), before witnessing the formidable Danijel Sturm score the second goal for Slavia in the 88th minute, seemingly setting the stage for defeat.

However, positioned on the right flank, Mezian Mesloub did not hesitate to take responsibility, making multiple initiatives and bold plays. Thus, in stoppage time, he delivered a perfect cross for Florian Thauvin's header, which equalized in the 91st minute. His team ultimately won 3-2.

In Prague, he made numerous crosses, vertical passes, and dribbles, playing a key role in Racing's offensive revival. This performance made him the youngest player in RC Lens history to participate in a Champions League match, despite having only four appearances in the professional ranks.

His coach Dino Toppmöller did not hide his enthusiasm for his young protégé. "At 16 years old, showing such personality and responsibility is incredible," he emphasized, highlighting Mesloub's willingness to ask for the ball and influence the game.

This performance confirms especially the promises of the son of former Algerian international Walid Mesloub, who continues to surprise with his boldness and maturity. Beyond his performances with Lens, Mezian Mesloub could quickly become the subject of a genuine international battle.

Born in Martigues to a Portuguese mother and an Algerian father, he currently plays with Portugal's U17 team, after being with the U16s. He remains eligible to represent France, his country of birth, as well as Algeria, his father's homeland, where his father was a seven-time Algerian international.

Under professional contract with Lens since this summer and already being followed by several European clubs, including Benfica, the young left-footer sees his future shaping up particularly promisingly, both at the club level and internationally.

DZfoot