Bouaddi impresses on first start: have Manchester City found a gem?

Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first Manchester City start in the Champions League and looked entirely at home in a 2-0 win over Porto. The 18-year-old midfielder’s composed display offered an early answer to why City were willing to spend £86 million to sign him from Lille.

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His age, his game, he looks absolutely born to do it.

Erling Haaland scored both goals and took the headlines, but Bouaddi drew attention in midfield. He completed 54 of 55 passes, recorded the most dribbles by a player from either side with four, won possession seven times and contested 13 duels, also the highest total in the match.

“His age, his game, he looks absolutely born to do it,” former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “I cannot take my eyes off Bouaddi, he looks very special.” Nevin also recalled seeing him play for Morocco at the World Cup and said City supporters had feared losing Rodri.

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I cannot take my eyes off Bouaddi, he looks very special.

Bouaddi had made two substitute appearances before starting against Porto. At 18 years and 341 days, he became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for City. Questions had surrounded the size of the fee for a position where young players can be exposed, but his immediate impact suggested he could become an important option this season.

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He is very good.

“He is very good,” manager Enzo Maresca said. He pointed to Bouaddi’s response after losing two balls against Coventry, when the teenager moved inside his own box and remained calm. “Other players may have panicked but at 18, he is a fantastic player,” Maresca said. Haaland added that Bouaddi had been “amazing” in training and said, “I think we have got a gem there, to be honest.”

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I think we have got a gem there, to be honest.