Enzo Maresca has explained why City were prepared to make such a significant investment in Ayyoub Bouaddi after the teenager impressed on his first start for the club.
The 18-year-old played 75 minutes of Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League win at Porto, producing an assured display alongside Enzo Fernández in midfield.
Bouaddi joined City from Lille in a deal worth up to £86m last month, having already built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders.
Maresca impressed by Bouaddi maturity
Maresca was particularly taken by the youngster’s composure, something he had also noticed during his substitute appearance against Coventry.
“He’s very good,” said the City boss.
“Against Coventry he lost two balls and after he lost them, he was in our box, calm.
“Any player would panic but this shows how good he is. He’s just 18. You expect Erling, Ruben, Mateo that they can manage these games, but he was top.”
Maresca went on to highlight Bouaddi’s maturity and personality, adding that those qualities were part of the reason City “made the effort” to bring him to Manchester.
The calmness should not come as too much of a surprise. As we noted in our closer look at what Bouaddi could bring to City, receiving the ball under pressure and making good decisions in tight areas were already among his standout qualities at Lille.
Porto offered the first proper glimpse of those qualities in a City shirt.
At 18, there is obviously a long way to go. Maresca, though, already appears convinced they have something special.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
