Calm under pressure, effective in possession, and strong in his challenges, Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed in his first start for Manchester City during Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Porto.
Making his debut start since joining the English club from Lille, the 18-year-old Moroccan international delivered an impressive performance, completing 54 of his 55 passes.
His display did not go unnoticed. Bouaddi had high expectations for his first start with a major club and showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion.
Ayyoub Bouaddi. AFP
His composure also impressed Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca, who explained after the match why the club had pushed to sign the young midfielder.
“We expect players like Erling (Haaland), Ruben (Dias), Matteo (Kovacic) to handle this kind of game, but he never panicked. He was very good, and I think his performance was incredible.”
Speaking at the post-match press conference after City’s 2-0 victory, Maresca also recalled Bouaddi’s appearance against Coventry in the third round of the Premier League on September 5.
“He had lost two passes. But he was in the box, calm. That shows that he is a good player. When you lose two passes, you panic. But he is 18 years old, and he is an incredible player. He was top, congratulations to Ayyoub; that’s why he is with us.”
Maresca also highlighted qualities unusual for a player of Bouaddi’s age, further setting him apart from his peers.
“He speaks French, English, and Spanish perfectly. That shows his maturity; that’s why the club made the effort to get him.”
Haaland, who scored twice against the Portuguese side, was equally impressed with his young teammate, describing him as a “gem.”
“I think he had a very good game, and in the last training sessions too. I told the president that he had been good. I think we have a gem, to be honest.”
It was a deserved victory for City, who could count on a player capable of handling the pressure of a major European night. Bouaddi’s performance also recalled that of another Moroccan who announced himself on the international stage with his composure in big matches, referencing the Morocco-Brazil game that helped reveal him to the world.
After the match, Bouaddi spoke to Canal+ and struck a humble tone.
“I think I still need to adapt more to the team. It was my first game as a starter. I hope this is a sign of good things to come.”
