Bouaddi’s debut sparks optimism as Man City beat Porto

Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18‑year‑old midfielder, made his first Champions League start for Manchester City against Porto, helping the English side to a 2‑0 win. The Moroccan international completed 54 of 55 passes and became the fourth‑youngest City player ever to start in the competition.

Bouaddi’s debut performance

At 18 years and 341 days, Bouaddi became the fourth‑youngest player to start a Champions League match for Manchester City. The £86 million signing from Lille, the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, had already featured for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup.

He settled the midfield with calm composure, completing 54 of 55 passes and winning seven possessions. Manager Enzo Maresca praised his maturity, noting the youngster spoke French, English and Spanish fluently and never appeared out of place.

Haaland’s strike partnership and midfield dominance

Erling Haaland added a double to secure the 2‑0 victory, while Bouaddi topped the match metrics with four dribbles, thirteen contested duels and the most possession‑won actions. The Norwegian striker said, “I think we have got a gem there, to be honest.”

Haaland also joked that Bouaddi should have played him through in the second half, admitting a brief frustration over a missed pass. Despite the comment, Bouaddi’s overall display remained assured, confirming his readiness for the Champions League stage.

The match’s Image caption, supplied by Getty Images, highlighted the young midfielder’s tidy performance. The report, Published 31 minutes ago, noted that Man fans, previously fearful of Rodri’s departure, now see a promising alternative in Bouaddi.

Pat Nevin, former Chelsea winger, called Bouaddi “an absolute no‑brainer” and a “class act”, while Maresca echoed that the club’s effort to secure him has already paid dividends. With his debut, the 18‑year‑old has shown why City view him as a future world‑class talent.