At just 18 years and 341 days old, Ayyoub Bouaddi etched his name into the record books as the fourth-youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League match for Manchester City.
While the transfer fee raised some eyebrows for a position typically prone to vulnerability, Bouaddi has acclimated seamlessly to the senior squad, immediately demonstrating the qualities that will make him an invaluable asset throughout the season.
“He is very good,” stated manager Enzo Maresca. “Against Coventry, he lost two balls, and after that he was inside our box and calm. Other players may have panicked, but at 18, he is a fantastic player.
“Tonight, he was very good. He speaks French, English, and Spanish perfectly. He is different in how mature he is. This is why the club has made the effort for him to be with us.”
BBC Sport initially reported City’s interest in Bouaddi back in June, and contrary to earlier speculation, sources confirmed that signing him and subsequently loaning him back to Lille for another season was never part of the plan.
His performance in Portugal underscored why City’s decision-makers believe he possesses all the necessary attributes to “develop into a world class talent,” and it is clear he thrives on the biggest stages.
Two years prior, Bouaddi earned a standing ovation from Lille supporters after helping his club secure a shock group-stage victory over reigning champions Real Madrid, and the travelling Manchester City faithful were undoubtedly doing the same in Portugal on Tuesday evening.
Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes and topped the statistical charts for both sides, recording the most dribbles (4), the most times possession was won (7), and the most contested duels (13).
“He did a really good game,” said Haaland. “The last couple of weeks in training, he has been amazing. I think we have got a gem there, to be honest.”
Although this was only Bouaddi’s tenth appearance in the competition, the Norwegian forward delivered a playful yet pointed message regarding the need for perfection.
“I think he should’ve played me through in the second half, so I was a bit angry,” Haaland added. “But he played a good game… except for that pass.”