Enzo Maresca Praises Ayyoub Bouaddi's Performance After European Night

Enzo Maresca walked away from a gruelling European night convinced his team had passed a major test of character – and that he might have something special on his hands in Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Italian was buoyant as he reflected on a controlled away performance, pleased by the result but adamant his side had left chances behind.

"I think we could've scored more goals, especially in the first half," he told Amazon Prime, satisfied yet demanding. "But overall I think we deserved to win the game."

City carved out openings with authority and, just as importantly, kept things tight at the other end.

"We created enough chances to win the game. We didn't concede a lot," Maresca said. "It's normal to come here and concede some chances because it's normal, so overall happy with the performance."

What really pleased him was the response from every corner of his squad. This was rotation with purpose, not necessity.

"I think I am lucky because all the squad is good players," he added. "For a manager it is easy because you can give minutes to all of them, and tonight I think the guys that were inside were very good."

Bouaddi’s big step, no nerves

On a night when experienced names like Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic were expected to set the tone, it was the teenager in midfield who stole a chunk of the spotlight.

Maresca could not hide his admiration for Bouaddi’s composure on a stage that swallows many young players.

"The good thing is that from Erling, Ruben, Mateo you expect how to manage this game," he said. "But he was never in panic, Ayyoub Bouaddi. He was very good and I think the performance was unbelievable."

Lining up alongside Enzo Fernandez, Bouaddi slotted in as if this had been his stage for years. The senior players had already seen it coming. Training had told them enough.

Haaland, who has watched the youngster closely in recent weeks, was quick to underline just how highly he rates him.

"I think he played a very good game," the striker said. "Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here."

Then came the sting in the tail, delivered with a grin. Even on a breakthrough night, standards remain unforgiving.

"But to be honest, I think he should of played me through in the second half when I was all alone," Haaland added. "I was a bit angry, so I will tell him right now, he played a good game, except that pass."

One missed ball, a flood of praise, and a manager convinced his squad has both depth and daring. For Bouaddi, this felt less like a cameo and more like the start of something that City’s senior figures already expect to last.