Ayyoub Bouaddi is gaining ground at Manchester City. Author of a particularly notable entry against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, despite the defeat of the Citizens (2-4), the 19-year-old Moroccan midfielder could quickly see his role evolve. Asked at a press conference about the possibility of giving him more playing time, Enzo Maresca did not hesitate for a second. “ Yes, 100%, I think I can use it more », assured the Italian coach, before returning to his tactical choices against Paris. “ For this type of match, I chose technique rather than the physical and solid side with Rayan Cherki. But probably against this type of team you really have to be strong and solid in the middle “, he admitted. A reflection which could benefit the former Lille player, whose entry at the break had completely changed the face of the Mancunian midfield.
Maresca even went further by mentioning a possible association between Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernández in the midfield. “ Of course, the Anderson-Bouaddi-Enzo environment can be a solution in the future. He’s fantastic. He makes other players around him better “, he declared, particularly complimentary towards his young player. Against PSG, Bouaddi replaced Rayan Cherki at half-time with City trailing 3-0, before delivering an assist to Erling Haaland in the second half. With 93% of successful passes, eight balls recovered and all of his duels won, the Moroccan confirmed the good performances already displayed against Porto on the first day of the Champions League. Performances which could now push Maresca to review its hierarchy in midfield.
