Ramiz Zerrouki (born 26 May 1998) is an Algerian professional footballer who primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for Eredivisie club Feyenoord and the Algeria national team. Known for his tactical intelligence, ball-winning ability, and precise passing, Zerrouki has established himself as a key player in both his club and national setups.
Early Life and Career
Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Algerian parents, Zerrouki began his youth career at AFC '34 before joining the youth academy of FC Twente. He progressed through the ranks at Twente, developing his skills as a central midfielder.Club Career
FC Twente
Zerrouki made his senior professional debut for FC Twente on 27 September 2020, coming on as a substitute in an Eredivisie match against PSV Eindhoven. He quickly integrated into the first team, becoming a regular starter in the defensive midfield role. His performances during his tenure at Twente earned him recognition as one of the league's most promising midfielders. Over several seasons, he consistently demonstrated his ability to break up play, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute to both defensive and offensive phases of the game.Feyenoord
On 17 March 2023, it was announced that Zerrouki would join Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season on a four-year contract. He officially joined the Rotterdam-based club in July 2023. At Feyenoord, he continued to showcase his defensive prowess and leadership qualities in the midfield, adapting quickly to the demands of a club competing at the top of the Eredivisie and in European competitions.International Career
Zerrouki chose to represent Algeria at international level, despite being eligible for the Netherlands. He received his first call-up to the Algeria national team in March 2021 for Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches. He made his debut for Algeria on 25 March 2021, starting in a 3–3 draw against Zambia. Since then, he has become a consistent member of the national squad, participating in various qualification campaigns and international tournaments, contributing to Algeria's midfield stability.Playing Style
Ramiz Zerrouki is primarily known for his role as a defensive midfielder. His playing style is characterized by:- Ball-winning: Excellent at interceptions and tackles, effectively breaking up opposition attacks.
- Positional awareness: Demonstrates strong tactical understanding, consistently being in the right place to cover spaces and anticipate plays.
- Passing range: Possesses a good range of passing, capable of short, incisive passes as well as longer, diagonal balls to switch play.
- Composure: Maintains a calm presence on the ball, even under pressure, allowing him to dictate tempo and retain possession.
Honours
Feyenoord- KNVB Cup: 2023–24