Erling Haaland has lavished praise on teammate Ayoub Bouaddi following the Moroccan's impressive first start for Manchester City in their Champions League opener against Porto. The 18-year-old midfielder showcased maturity beyond his years in a dominant 2-0 victory at the Dragão, with Haaland netting both goals to secure a commanding start to the competition.
Bouaddi, who joined City this summer for €100 million, made an immediate impact on European football's biggest stage. His positioning, press resistance, and technical ability caught the eye of supporters and teammates alike. Speaking to Amazon Prime post-match, Haaland reflected on the youngster's performance with genuine admiration. "I think he put in a superb performance," the Norwegian striker said. "In recent weeks I told the club president during training that he was amazing. We have a real gem."
A Missed Opportunity in the Second Half
Despite his overall excellence, one moment in the second half drew Haaland's attention for lighter-hearted criticism. With space opening up before him, Bouaddi rolled the ball across his body just as Haaland made a sharp run behind Porto's defence, only to be left completely unmarked. "Honestly, I think he should have passed me the ball in the second half when I was completely alone," Haaland joked with a grin. "I was a little annoyed, so I'll tell him now: he put in a good performance, apart from that pass."
The interaction underscores the chemistry developing within Pep Guardiola's midfield. Bouaddi's €100 million transfer ranks among City's most significant youth investments in recent years, and early signs suggest the club's recruitment team identified genuine talent. His composure against Porto's pressing and ability to progress the ball through midfield suggests he can develop into a crucial player for City's possession-based system. As City navigate the demanding Champions League campaign, Bouaddi's emergence provides hope of sustainable midfield depth alongside established names like Mateo Kovacic.
