Rabat – Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca has praised Moroccan international Ayoub Bouaddi, saying the young midfielder has the potential to become one of the English club’s best players.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Maresca highlighted Bouaddi’s maturity despite his young age.
“He will become one of the best players at Manchester City,” Maresca said.
The Italian coach said Bouaddi, who is only 18, shows a level of maturity that makes him appear much older.
“He is extremely mature. He is only 18 years old, but when you speak to him, you feel that he is not 18. He seems like he is 25 or 26,” Maresca explained.
Maresca also stressed the importance of protecting Bouaddi from excessive pressure during the early stages of his Manchester City career.
“It is important that we do not put too much pressure on him at the moment, whether in terms of importance, matches, or minutes played,” he said.
Bouaddi has attracted growing attention since joining Manchester City from Lille. His performances have also earned praise from several prominent figures in football.
The Moroccan midfielder recently made his first full start for City in the team’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney described Bouaddi’s performance as “very mature,” while former AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf also praised his ability to read the game at such a young age.
Bouaddi himself said after the Porto match that it was his first start and expressed hope that it would be “an indication of good things to come.”
The teenager’s rapid progress has made him one of the Moroccan players attracting attention in European football.
For Maresca, however, the priority remains managing Bouaddi’s development carefully while allowing him to gradually adapt to the demands of top-level football.
