From circus footballer to 'Lamine Yamal-level': Hadj Moussa is better than ever

Feyenoord winger Hadj Moussa has shed his 'circus footballer' tag with improved output; six goals this season and praised for Lamine Yamal-level finishing.

Anis Hadj Moussa has emerged as one of the Eredivisie's standout performers in the opening weeks of the season, earning widespread praise for his development from a flashy dribbler into a complete attacking threat.

Former former Utrecht manager Ron Jans highlighted Hadj Moussa's impact after Feyenoord's clash with PSV, saying: "We must be very happy he plays in the Netherlands, because this guy simply decides matches. That goal against PSV is Lamine Yamal-level." Jans revealed he had nearly signed the Algerian winger in 2024 but was warned by Vitesse staff that Hadj Moussa didn't contribute defensively.

Statistics now show consistent improvement across all metrics. After scoring just once in a half-season at Vitesse, Hadj Moussa has posted eight and eleven Eredivisie goals in subsequent seasons at Feyenoord, and already has six this term. He leads the league in successful dribbles and is involved in more shot attempts than any other player. Feyenoord manager Van Bronckhorst praised his ability to make the difference, while Como's Cesc Fàbregas said after their Champions League meeting: "We don't have a game-changer like him."

Transfer speculation continues to surround Hadj Moussa, who attempted to force a move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad in September but Feyenoord blocked the deal.