When football fans discuss the best midfielders at international tournaments, the spotlight usually falls on global superstars. However, every competition also produces players whose influence goes beyond goals and assists. One such player is Anis Ben Slimane
The Tunisian midfielder has quietly built a reputation as a reliable, intelligent and hardworking footballer.
While he may not receive the same media attention as some of his peers, his performances have consistently shown why he deserves greater recognition.
Whether controlling possession, breaking up opposition attacks or making late runs into the box, Ben Slimane brings balance and energy to every team he represents.
His journey from Denmark’s youth football system to becoming a key player for Tunisia is inspiring.
He has overcome challenges, changed clubs multiple times during his youth career and earned his place on the international stage through determination rather than hype.
As Tunisia continues to compete in major international tournaments, Ben Slimane remains one of the team’s most dependable midfielders.
Many football analysts believe he is among the tournament’s most underrated players because of the valuable work he performs away from the headlines.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Anis Ben Slimane?
Anis Ben Slimane is a professional footballer who represents the Tunisia national team.1
Although he was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he chose to play international football for Tunisia through his family heritage.
Known for his versatility, Ben Slimane can operate as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder or box-to-box midfielder.
His combination of technical ability, physical strength and tactical intelligence allows him to adapt to different formations and styles of play.
After developing through several Danish youth academies, he made his senior breakthrough with AB before earning a move to Brøndby IF.
His impressive performances in the Danish Superliga attracted interest from bigger clubs, leading to a transfer to Sheffield United.
He later continued his career with Norwich City, where he has continued to develop as a complete midfielder.
🇹🇳 The #FIFAWorldCup dream is over for #NCFC‘s Anis Ben Slimane https://t.co/nuOnZQRXWE
— The Pink Un (@pinkun) June 21, 2026
Early Life and Background
Anis Ben Slimane was born on 16 March 2001 in Copenhagen. Growing up in Denmark gave him access to one of Europe’s strongest youth football development systems.
Unlike many future professionals who remain with one academy throughout their childhood, Ben Slimane experienced a different journey.
He spent time at several youth clubs including BK Vestia, KB, FA 2000, Herfølge, B.93, Brøndby, Lyngby and AB.
Changing clubs so often could have slowed his development. Instead, it helped him adapt to different coaching methods and tactical systems. Every move taught him something new about the game.
Eventually, he settled at AB, where he began to fulfil his potential. His performances quickly convinced coaches that he was ready for senior football.
Looking back, Ben Slimane has acknowledged that his route to professional football was far from easy. However, those challenges helped shape the resilient player fans see today.
Stats Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anis Ben Slimane |
| Date of Birth | 16 March 2001 |
| Age | 25 (2026) |
| Birthplace | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Nationality | Tunisia |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Norwich City |
| Former Clubs | AB, Brøndby IF, Sheffield United |
| International Team | Tunisia |
Club Career Journey of Anis Ben Slimane
Making His Professional Debut at AB
Ben Slimane’s professional career began with Danish club AB.2
Although the club competed outside Denmark’s top division, it provided the perfect environment for him to gain experience against senior players.
He made 18 league appearances and scored two goals before attracting attention from clubs in the Danish Superliga.
His composure on the ball, excellent passing range and mature decision-making stood out despite his young age. Scouts believed he possessed the qualities needed to play at a much higher level.
Breakthrough at Brøndby IF
In 2019, Ben Slimane joined Brøndby IF, one of Denmark’s biggest football clubs.
Initially signed for the under-19 team, he quickly impressed coaches with his performances during training sessions. His technical quality earned him opportunities with the first team.
He made his senior debut in February 2020 and immediately showed confidence despite stepping into one of Scandinavia’s most competitive leagues.
During his first full seasons, he became an important member of Brøndby’s midfield. His energy, movement and tactical awareness allowed him to contribute in both attack and defence.
The highlight came during the 2020–21 season when Brøndby won the Danish Superliga title.
Ben Slimane played an important supporting role throughout the campaign and even scored in the decisive final match that secured the championship.
Winning the league established him as one of Denmark’s brightest young midfielders.
Moving to England
Strong performances in Denmark attracted clubs from larger European leagues.
In 2023, Ben Slimane completed a move to Sheffield United in England. Although adapting to English football proved challenging, the experience allowed him to develop physically and tactically.
The speed and intensity of English football demanded greater consistency and quicker decision-making.
After spending time with Sheffield United, he joined Norwich City, where he has enjoyed more regular playing opportunities and continued his development as an all-round midfielder.
International Career with Tunisia
One of the most interesting aspects of Ben Slimane’s career is his international journey. Having represented Denmark at youth level, he later decided to play for Tunisia at senior level.
The decision reflected both his family heritage and his desire to become an important figure for Tunisian football.
He received his first senior call-up in 2020. His international debut could hardly have gone better.
Coming on for Tunisia against Sudan, he scored on his debut as Tunisia secured a comfortable victory.
Since then, he has become a regular selection for the national team. His ability to play different midfield roles has made him an important tactical option for Tunisia’s coaches.
Ben Slimane also represented Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he started against Denmark in a memorable goalless draw. Playing against the country where he was born made the occasion even more special.
Anis Ben Slimane’s Playing Style
Modern football demands midfielders who can contribute in every phase of the game. Anis Ben Slimane fits that description well.
He is not simply a defensive midfielder or an attacking playmaker. Instead, he combines several qualities that make him valuable in different tactical systems.
Ben Slimane is comfortable playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or box-to-box midfielder. His technical ability allows him to keep possession under pressure, while his physical presence helps him compete against stronger opponents.
One of his biggest strengths is his decision-making. Rather than attempting risky passes every time he receives the ball, he usually chooses the option that keeps his team in control.
This calm approach makes him an important link between defence and attack.
Another noticeable feature of his game is his movement. He constantly searches for open spaces and supports teammates by making himself available for short passes. This intelligent positioning often allows Tunisia to build attacks from midfield without losing possession.
Although he is capable of scoring goals, his main responsibility is creating balance. He works hard defensively, wins second balls and helps his team transition quickly after regaining possession.
Anis Ben Slimane’s Biggest Strengths
Excellent Ball Control
Ben Slimane rarely looks uncomfortable when receiving the ball. Even when opponents press aggressively, he stays calm and uses his first touch to escape pressure.
Tactical Intelligence
His understanding of the game is one of his greatest assets. He knows when to slow the tempo and when to move the ball quickly. This awareness allows him to control the rhythm of matches.
Versatility
Many midfielders perform well in only one position. Ben Slimane can successfully play as:
- Central midfielder
- Attacking midfielder
- Box-to-box midfielder
- Advanced playmaker
This flexibility gives coaches more tactical options during matches.
Physical Presence
Standing around 1.88 metres tall, he has the strength to compete in physical battles. He uses his body well to shield the ball and win important duels in midfield.
Work Rate
Although he is technically gifted, he never avoids defensive responsibilities. He tracks runners, presses opponents and helps recover possession throughout the match.
Why Is Anis Ben Slimane One of the Tournament’s Most Underrated Midfielders?
Many football fans judge players only by goals and assists. Midfielders like Ben Slimane often go unnoticed because much of their work happens away from the spotlight.
His performances are built on consistency rather than spectacular moments.
He helps his defenders by closing passing lanes. He supports attackers by moving into dangerous spaces. He maintains possession when his team is under pressure. He rarely loses concentration.
These qualities may not dominate highlight videos, but they are essential for winning football matches.
International tournaments are often decided by small details. A midfielder who keeps possession during difficult moments or prevents dangerous counterattacks can be just as valuable as a player who scores goals.
That is exactly why many football analysts describe Ben Slimane as one of the competition’s hidden stars. His influence becomes clear when watching an entire match instead of only the highlights.
Tactical Analysis of Anis Ben Slimane
Ben Slimane adapts well to different formations.
In a 4-3-3 Formation
He usually operates as one of the advanced central midfielders.
From this position he:
- Supports the defensive midfielder.
- Helps create attacking moves.
- Makes late runs into the penalty area.
- Presses opponents immediately after losing possession.
In a 4-2-3-1 Formation
He can play as either:
- One of the holding midfielders.
- The attacking midfielder behind the striker.
His versatility allows coaches to change tactics without making substitutions.
During Defensive Phases
Ben Slimane stays disciplined. Instead of chasing the ball unnecessarily, he blocks passing lanes and forces opponents into less dangerous areas.
During Attacking Phases
When Tunisia build attacks, he moves intelligently between midfield and attack.
His passing range allows him to switch play from one side of the field to the other, creating space for teammates.
Career Statistics of Anis Ben Slimane
The following figures summarize Ben Slimane’s senior career up to the 2025–26 season.
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| AB | 18 | 2 |
| Brøndby IF | 104 | 9 |
| Sheffield United | 18 | 0 |
| Norwich City (Loan) | 18 | 2 |
| Norwich City | 37 | 5 |
| Tunisia | 39 | 4 |
Career Highlights of Anis Ben Slimane
Ben Slimane has already achieved several important milestones despite still being in his mid-twenties.
Some of his biggest achievements include:
- Winning the Danish Superliga with Brøndby IF.
- Representing Tunisia at the FIFA World Cup.
- Scoring on his senior international debut.
- Playing in England with Sheffield United.
- Establishing himself at Norwich City.
- Becoming a regular member of the Tunisia national team.
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Anis Ben Slimane’s Honours and Achievements
Club
Brøndby IF
- Danish Superliga Champion (2020–21)
Winning Denmark’s top division remains one of the biggest moments of Ben Slimane’s club career. He played an important role throughout the title-winning campaign and even scored in the decisive final league match that secured the championship.
International
Tunisia
- Kirin Cup Soccer Champion (2022)
This success gave Ben Slimane valuable experience in international competition and helped strengthen Tunisia’s growing midfield.
Why Coaches Value Him
Managers appreciate players who consistently follow tactical instructions.3
Ben Slimane is trusted because he:
- Maintains good positional discipline.
- Makes intelligent decisions under pressure.
- Rarely gives away possession carelessly.
- Supports both attack and defence.
- Performs consistently against strong opponents.
These qualities may not always attract media headlines but they make him an essential member of almost every team he plays for.
Anis Ben Slimane’s Impact on Tunisian Football
Anis Ben Slimane has become one of the most dependable midfielders in the Tunisia national team. While he is not always the player who scores the winning goal or grabs the headlines, his influence is visible throughout every match.
Tunisia has traditionally relied on disciplined team play rather than individual brilliance.
Ben Slimane fits perfectly into that philosophy. His calm approach, intelligent positioning and willingness to work for the team make him an important part of the midfield.
One of the biggest moments of his international career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Facing Denmark, the country where he was born, Ben Slimane delivered a composed performance in Tunisia’s opening match.
The goalless draw showed his ability to compete against high-level opposition on football’s biggest stage.
Since making his senior debut in 2020, he has continued to earn regular call-ups. Coaches trust him because he understands tactical instructions, works hard without the ball and rarely makes careless mistakes.
These qualities have helped him become one of Tunisia’s most consistent midfielders.
Why Football Experts Appreciate Him
Many football analysts value players who improve the team’s overall balance rather than simply producing statistics.
Ben Slimane stands out because he:
- Keeps possession under pressure.
- Helps defenders during difficult periods.
- Starts attacking moves with accurate passing.
- Presses opponents intelligently.
- Maintains tactical discipline throughout the match.
- Adapts to different midfield roles.
These qualities often go unnoticed by casual viewers but coaches and analysts understand how important they are over the course of a tournament.
Future Prospects of Anis Ben Slimane
At just 25 years of age in 2026, Ben Slimane is entering what is considered the prime period of a professional footballer’s career.
After gaining experience in Denmark and England, he has become a more complete midfielder.
His permanent move to Norwich City has given him greater stability and the opportunity to play regularly, which is essential for continued development.
Looking ahead, several goals seem realistic for him:
- Become one of Norwich City’s leading midfielders.
- Help Tunisia qualify for more major international tournaments.
- Add more goals and assists to his game.
- Continue improving his leadership qualities.
- Establish himself as one of Africa’s top central midfielders.
If he continues progressing at his current rate, Ben Slimane could enjoy many more successful seasons at both club and international level.
Legacy So Far
Although his career is still developing, Ben Slimane has already achieved more than many players dream of.
He has:
- Won a league championship in Denmark.
- Played in the Premier League.
- Represented Tunisia at the FIFA World Cup.
- Earned dozens of international caps.
- Played in one of England’s most competitive football environments.
- Built a reputation as a reliable and intelligent midfielder.
Rather than relying on flashy moments, he has built his career through consistency, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Final Thoughts on Why He Is Underrated
Football often celebrates players who score spectacular goals or produce eye-catching skills. However, successful teams also depend on players who quietly perform the difficult tasks every week.
Anis Ben Slimane is one of those footballers. He may not dominate social media highlights but his influence on matches is significant.
His tactical awareness, versatility, work ethic and composure allow his teammates to perform at their best.
For Tunisia, he provides stability in midfield. For Norwich City, he offers reliability and tactical flexibility.
For football fans who appreciate intelligent midfield play, Ben Slimane is a player worth watching closely.
As future international tournaments unfold, more supporters are likely to recognise what coaches have known for years: Anis Ben Slimane is far more valuable than the headlines suggest.
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FAQ’s
Who is Anis Ben Slimane?
Anis Ben Slimane is a professional football midfielder who plays for Norwich City and represents the Tunisia national team.
Where was Anis Ben Slimane born?
He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 16 March 2001.
Which country does Anis Ben Slimane represent?
Although born in Denmark, he represents Tunisia at senior international level.
What position does Anis Ben Slimane play?
He mainly plays as a central midfielder but can also operate as an attacking or box-to-box midfielder.
Which clubs has Anis Ben Slimane played for?
His senior clubs include AB, Brøndby IF, Sheffield United and Norwich City.
Did Anis Ben Slimane play in the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. He represented Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Why is Anis Ben Slimane considered underrated?
He contributes through intelligent positioning, tactical discipline and consistent performances rather than flashy statistics.
What are Anis Ben Slimane’s biggest strengths?
His strengths include passing, composure, versatility, work rate, tactical awareness and ball control.
Has Anis Ben Slimane won any major trophies?
Yes. He won the Danish Superliga with Brøndby IF during the 2020–21 season and the Kirin Cup with Tunisia.
How tall is Anis Ben Slimane?
He is 1.88 metres (6 feet 2 inches) tall.
What is Anis Ben Slimane’s preferred foot?
He primarily plays with his right foot.
Conclusion
Anis Ben Slimane’s journey from Copenhagen’s youth football scene to representing Tunisia on the world stage is a story of determination, adaptability and steady progress.
Instead of taking a straightforward path, he developed through several youth academies before establishing himself at AB and later earning success with Brøndby IF.
His move to English football brought fresh challenges but he continued to grow through his experiences with Sheffield United and Norwich City.
What makes Ben Slimane special is not spectacular statistics but the consistency he brings to every match. His passing, positioning, work rate and tactical intelligence allow him to influence games in ways that are not always obvious.
These qualities explain why coaches continue to trust him and why many football experts consider him one of the tournament’s most underrated midfielders.
As he enters the prime years of his career, Ben Slimane has every opportunity to become an even more influential player for both Norwich City and Tunisia.
If he continues developing at the same pace, his reputation will likely grow and more football fans around the world will appreciate the quiet excellence that has defined his career so far.
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