Madjid Bougherra (Crewe Alexandra)

[Al-khiyal]

DARIO Gradi insists he is in no rush to tie the impressive Madjid Bougherra to a long-term deal.

The 23-year-old Algerian international defender has proved a revelation in his first two outings for the club, inspiring Crewe to four points from a possible six.

He was the pick of a super defensive display which saw promotion-hunters Sheffield United draw a blank on Friday.

Bougherra is on loan at Crewe until the end of the season from French club FC Gueugnon, but is thought to be available for permanent transfer.

His form could spark a battle with other clubs for his signature, but Gradi will bide his time.....

Madjid magic is put to test

[TonyStarks]

Bougherra happy in England
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 14 Mar 2006

Crewe Alexandra defender Madjid Bougherra has confirmed he is enjoying life in England.

The Algerian joined the Championship side on loan in January and in his three appearances for the club, Alex have conceded just two goals.

Bougherra still has a year remaining on his deal with French side Gueugnon but has revealed he does not want to return to France.

"I would like to stay in England because I enjoy it very much," the 22-year-old insisted.

"I have a year left at my club back in France but I don't want to go back.

"I like the football here and it gives me the chance of going further.

"The Premiership would be my dream but first I will do everything to help Crewe stay in the Championship.

"After that I don't know what the future holds."

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?h...ppy+in+England

[Al-khiyal]

Kenny Lunt was Coventry's chief tormentor as Crewe boosted their hopes of avoiding Coca-Cola Championship relegation with a terrific 4-1 win at Gresty Road.

In a frantic first half that ended with Crewe leading 3-1, 26-year-old one-club midfielder Lunt supplied crosses for Billy Jones and Madjid Bougherra to make it 2-0, nearly scored himself and also provided a chance Stephen Foster should have converted.....

....After 17 minutes Lunt's pinpoint delivery worked again as Algerian defender Bougherra netted for the first time since joining the club in January....

[Al-khiyal]

QPR 1 Crewe 2

For the first time this year, Crewe picked up 3 points for successive Saturdays. The manner of this victory was less impressive than last week's mauling of Coventry, though the much-needed 3 points is gratefully received....

...Another promising performance from Bougherra. Although not as dominant as in recent weeks, the charismatic Algerian dealt well with the aerial presence of Marc Nygaard....

[Al-khiyal]

Crewe 2 Sheffield Wednesday 0

"...Madjid defended excellently in the first half, and was first to almost every ball floated in his direction. His distribution was equally impressive. Hertha Berlin scouts were reported to be watching Bougherra; let's just hope that any onlooking scouts were paying attention as he made his only two mistakes of the afternoon...."

[TonyStarks]

I wish Bougherra moves to the Bundesliga or Premier League. He's one of the main guys in our National Team and he's still very young (21 or 22). He has a good 8 years ahead of him with us nchallah.