Bouaddi impresses on first start - have Man City found 'a gem'?

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, impressed on his first Manchester City start in the Champions League, helping the team to a 2-0 win over Porto. The midfielder, signed from Lille for a reported £86m, was described as calm and assured in central midfield and showed why City had invested heavily in him. He had previously made two substitute appearances before being handed his first start.

The article says Bouaddi’s display stood out even with Erling Haaland scoring twice to secure the victory. City staff and pundits highlighted his composure, passing and work rate, with manager Enzo Maresca praising his maturity and decision-making. Haaland also called him a “gem” after training performances and the match itself, though he jokingly said Bouaddi should have played him through in one second-half move.

BBC Sport notes that Bouaddi, born in Morocco and already gaining attention on the international stage, became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for City. The piece argues that his performance may ease concerns about midfield depth after Rodri’s exit and adds context that City had tracked him for some time, with reports of a possible loan-back to Lille not part of the plan. The overall takeaway is that Bouaddi’s early impact suggests he could become an important long-term option for the club.