Marseille set to give 20‑year‑old Kyliann Bezahaf first start at Troyes
While his senior appearances have been limited to a handful of minutes, 20‑year‑old defender Kyliann Bezahaf stands on the brink of a breakthrough as Olympique de Marseille prepare to start him in their Ligue 1 clash with Troyes on Sunday evening.
Suspension opens door for Bezahaf
Timothy Weah's suspension after a red card in the Classic against Paris Saint‑Germain has left a vacancy on the right flank. Marseille's coaching staff have opted to fill it with Bezahaf, a player already familiar with the club's expectations. L’Équipe the 20‑year‑old is expected in the starting eleven on Sunday.
Bezahaf has been part of the Olympique de Marseille academy since 2017. The nine‑year spell has given him an intimate knowledge of the club's playing philosophy. This background is expected to translate into the trust the staff have shown him in recent weeks.
During the summer training camp his performances highlighted an effective use of the ball and forward thrusts. Originally groomed as a more attacking player, he was later shifted to right‑back where his technical ease offers additional options. The positional switch has been praised for adding tactical flexibility.
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His senior minutes remain scarce. He featured for a few minutes against Paris Saint‑Germain after Weah's expulsion, gaining a brief taste of Ligue 1 intensity. Those limited outings have yet to establish him as a regular.
Algeria U23 captaincy adds weight
On the international stage Bezahaf has captained the Algeria under‑23 side. He wore the armband against South Africa on 1 October, leading the youthful squad. The experience underscores his leadership qualities beyond club duties.
Against Troyes he will be tested on both defensive solidity and attacking support. The match offers a platform to prove he can meet the demands of top‑flight football. Success would demonstrate his readiness for regular first‑team involvement.
For a player nurtured entirely at the club, the occasion represents more than a cameo. Converting this chance into a sustained role could mark the turning point of his professional trajectory. Marseille and the young Algerian alike will be watching the outcome closely.