From Paradou AC to the Pro League: Charleroi’s young Algerian midfielder Yacine Titraoui is going under the radar | OneFootball

When shopping for an Algerian midfielder, all European clubs need to just get on the phone to Algerian side Paradou AC. In the past few seasons they have supplied the Belgian Pro League with two midfield talents in Adem Zorgane (Charleroi) and Abdelkahar Kadri (Kortrijk). Both arguably should have moved on from their respective clubs last summer. Charleroi, having previously picked up Zorgane from Paradou in 2021, returned in the summer of 2024 to sign Yacine Titraoui. Over the course of the 2024/2025 campaign, the 21-year-old has become a key player for the side.

Titraoui’s stats do not leap off the page, and perhaps that is why he has gone somewhat under the radar with the Zebras this season. The 21-year-old only has one goal and one assist in the league from 23 games, but he certainly passes the eye test. Titraoui is athletic and compliments his compatriot Zorgane in central midfield. He can play as a deeper central midfielder or just behind the strikers in a more attacking role.

When comparing his data to other midfielders in the league, we see his ability to play at both ends. Using FotMobs player traits data, which compares players that play in similar positions across the same league, Titraoui completed more defensive actions than 75% of midfielders in the Pro League. The comparison also highlights how much the midfielder likes to get on the ball, with him having more touches than 93% of the league. An area he must certainly improve in is his conversion of chances. His one goal stands in stark contrast to him having more shot attempts than 96% of the league. In terms of chance creation, he has crated more chances than 48% of other players in his position in Belgium.

Looking at the rest of the data, we still see impressive numbers. Given the amount of touches he gets, a pass completion percentage of 86.5% is very good alongside a dribble success rate of 60.7%. Furthermore, his long ball accuracy is very good at 80%. His ability to play at both ends is once again highlighted by him winning 72.1% of his tackles.

Should Charleroi lose Zorgane (and they should) this summer, they need to ensure they keep hold of Titraoui going into the 2025/2026 season. His lack of goals and assists have seen him go under the radar so far this season, and that might help Charleroi in keeping hold of him. However, should he begin to convert more of his chances, plenty of sides will start to look at the midfielder and think of how he can fit within their systems.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson