Ayyoub Bouaddi: Man City Midfielder Impresses on First Start for the Club - BBC Sport
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Bouaddi impresses on first start - have Man City found 'a gem'?
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Ayyoub Bouaddi became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for Manchester City.
By Shamoon Hafez, Manchester City Reporter
Published 18 minutes ago
Ayyoub Bouaddi belied his age with a mature Champions League performance on his first Manchester City start, showcasing why the club were so intent on signing the 18-year-old.
The midfielder took centre stage for Morocco at this summer's World Cup and City spent £86m to sign him from Lille, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. After two substitute appearances, he was handed his first start against Porto and did not look out of place during the 2-0 victory.
Erling Haaland will take the plaudits for his two goals, but it was Bouaddi who caught the eye with a tidy and assured performance in the middle of the park.
"His age, his game – he looks absolutely born to do it," said former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live. "I cannot take my eyes off Bouaddi, he looks very special. The City fans had the fear of losing Rodri - I watched Bouaddi playing against Scotland at the World Cup, he has been very impressive so far."
Haaland nets double as Man City begin Champions League with win at Porto
At 18 years and 341 days, Bouaddi became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for City. Question marks were raised around the fee for a position on the pitch where players can be exposed, but Bouaddi seems to have settled in immediately and showcased why he will be a valuable option this season.
"He is very good," said manager Enzo Maresca. "Against Coventry, he lost two balls and after that he was inside our box and calm. Other players may have panicked but at 18, he is a fantastic player."
BBC Sport reported City's interest in Bouaddi in June, and contrary to reports, sources said signing him and then loaning back to Lille for a season was not on the agenda. The performance in Portugal highlighted why those in power at City believe he has all attributes to "develop into a world-class talent." He clearly enjoys playing on the biggest stage, too; two years ago, Bouaddi earned a standing ovation from Lille supporters after helping his side to a shock group phase victory over holders Real Madrid.
Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes while topping metrics across players of both sides for most dribbles (4), most times possession won (7), and contesting more duels (13).