Manchester City supporters are increasingly urging Enzo Maresca to hand Ayyoub Bouaddi a run in the starting line-up, with the 19-year-old seen as a potential solution to the team's midfield struggles.
Bouaddi, a maths student, arrived from Lille in the summer for £81.3million and has been used sparingly so far, making 10 appearances in all competitions but only two Premier League starts as he adapts to English football.
Midfield overrun in recent matches
City have been overrun in central areas in recent games, leaving Elliot Anderson to try to control midfield from the base. The England international has been largely impressive since his summer move from Nottingham Forest but is still learning Maresca's methods.
The Etihad chief sets up with attacking intent in possession, with a full back moving high to form an offensive line of five in support of Erling Haaland. While that has produced plenty of goals, it leaves the Blues exposed on transition, with opponents able to exploit space in central areas.
World Cup display turns heads
Bouaddi showcased his ability off the bench against PSG in the Champions League, and his performances at the World Cup offered further insight into his capabilities. He produced a standout display in a draw with Brazil, getting the better of Casemiro and Fabinho.
"It was not a risk to play him," Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi said after the game, in which Bouaddi had the most touches (88), won the most duels (11), made the most successful passes in the opposition half (30) and finished with a passing success rate of 93 per cent.
Adapting well to life at City
City beat off competition from Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Bouaddi, who arrived with a huge price tag. He knew walking into the City team was not a given, and his attitude since joining has been excellent.
He speaks fluent English, Spanish and French, is studying for a maths degree alongside playing top-level football, and is a keen chess player who passed his exams a year early. Slotting him into City's midfield could be an experiment that pays off.
