Bouaddi's impressive performance has sparked hopes that Manchester City may have found a gem in the young Moroccan. The midfielder took centre stage for Morocco at this summer's World Cup and City spent £86m to sign him from Lille, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. He completed 54 of his 55 passes, topped the metrics for most dribbles, possession won and contesting duels, and caught the eye of his team-mates and pundits alike.
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin praised Bouaddi's performance, saying: "His age, his game – he looks absolutely born to do it." Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca also heaped praise on the young midfielder, saying: "He is very good. He speaks French, English, Spanish perfect. He is different in how mature he is. This is why the club has made the effort for him to be with us."