Algeria National Team and Racing Santander Midfielder

Medhi Lacen is a French-born Algerian footballer currently playing for Racing de Santander in the Spanish first division, as a defensive midfielder.

Born in Paris, France, to an Algerian father and an Italian mother,[ Lacen started his professional career with modest outfits of Stade Lavallois and ASOA Valence. In 2005–06, he moved to Spain, joining Deportivo Alavés which would eventually be relegated. He made his Spanish first division debut on October 15, 2005, in a 1–1 home draw with Villarreal CF.

After two second division seasons as an undisputed starter for the Basque, Lacen moved to Racing de Santander on August 15, 2008, on a three-year link. He competed throughout the campaign for first-choice status with French Peter Luccin, also newly signed.

Although French-born, Lacen had the possibility of representing Algeria through his fathers' origins. In 2006, he was called-up by Jean-Michel Cavalli to the national side for a friendly against Gabon, but did not play because of an administrative problem.[3]

On December 12, 2009, the president of the Algerian FA, Mohamed Raouraoua, announced that Lacen would be called up to the Algerian squad for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. However, five days later, head coach Rabah Saadane announced that the player would not participate in the continental competition because of his wife's pregnancy.

On February 12, 2010, Racing Santander's website announced that Lacen was chosen for Algeria's upcoming friendly against Serbia. On March 3, he finally made his debut, in a 0–3 loss.

Lacen's younger brother, Michael, is also a footballer. He represented, amongst other clubs, FC Versailles.

Source :Wikipedia