EXCLUSIVE: Abdallah El Hadj on breaking through, Belaid and the future
The teenage goalkeeper currently plies his trade with L’Ittihad, the club where he strives to become No.1, after a breakthrough with the U21s.
Abdallah El Hadj enjoys the benefits of working alongside club icon Mohamed Zemmamouche, who holds the record for number of appearances (404) at USMA.
A fellow shot-stopper, Zemmamouche is the captain and serves as an inspiration for youngsters around the squad.
Abdallah El Hadj is one such player, who recalls sharing a laugh with the veteran after being gifted a pair of goalkeeper gloves...
Do you have any stories you can share about Zemmamouche?
"Yes," said a smiling Abdallah El Hadj. "I remember when he gave me a new pair of gloves.
"He told me to take the bigger pair (laughs), because my hands were too big for the ones he initially gave me."
Explaining the relationship he has with Zemmamouche, the youngster said the 38-year-old has taken him under his wing at USM Alger: "He always helps and offers me advice."
Future ambitions
Abdallah El Hadj, who idolises Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois, like many young footballers, aspires to play in one of Europe's top leagues.
Using senior compatriots Riyad Mahrez, Nabil Bentaleb and Ismael Bennacer as role models, the shot-stopper strives to 'become like them'.
"Every young player would like to be like them," he said. "They are football legends here in Algeria.
"Young men, like me, aspire to play in the major leagues around the world and become like them.
"I will work hard to become the main goalkeeper at USM Alger, after which I am determined to (play for a club in) Europe."
Algiers calling
He may be a Real Madrid fan, citing players like Cristiano Ronaldo as heroes, but one club had his heart first and foremost: USM Blida.
With his boyhood team, Abdallah El Hadj honed his skills for a number of years in the youth ranks.
"I played for two years," he started. "After which I was promoted to the junior (U21) category.
"And, at that time, I had the opportunity to develop my capabilities with hard and continuous work.
"The more you progress through the youth categories, you realise that you need to work harder and harder in order to be able to catch fire (and be included in) the first team."
Like every young player working through the ranks at an Algerian football club, Abdallah El Hadj aspires to represent his country on the international stage.
Zineddine Belaid, a senior team-mate of the young goalkeeper's, has shown the path to wear the famous green and white shirt.
In fact, Belaid was USMA's sole Algeria representative in the most recent call-up. "Young in age, he is the future of the national team and will play in Europe," said a proud Abdallah El Hadj.
"He is fascinating, a great player who has a strong personality."
Do you also aspire to represent Algeria on the international stage?
"Yes," he said. "It is my dream to represent my country and I will strive to represent the Algerian national team on an international stage."
Salah, Ziyech and the future
Algeria, of course, is just one of several successful footballing nations in Northern Africa.
Egypt has Mohamed Salah, Morocco has Hakim Ziyech and Tunisia has Wahbi Khazri - these top-class players, just like Algeria's Mahrez, serve as inspirations for the next generation.
"I enjoy watching them a lot," Abdallah El Hadj said of the trio. "They are considered some of the best players in all of Africa."
Critics have suggested the path young football players on the African continent take to the top European leagues could be easier.
Abdallah El Hadj appears to concur, advising scouting networks to consider Algeria - and Northern Africa - more seriously as talent pools.
"There are indeed a lot of talents up and down Africa," he said. "These players are capable of playing in the major leagues in Europe."
When asked for a parting piece of advice for youngsters hoping to break into senior sides, Abdallah El Hadj responded: "Continue to develop, even if you fail at first.
"Seek help from others and keep going."
