Former Egypt ahead Mohamed Aboutrika has taken goal at Manchester Metropolis head coach Enzo Maresca over his tactical deployment of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The pundit questioned the Italian supervisor's resolution to push the 19-year-old Moroccan additional up the pitch throughout Saturday's shock 1-0 Premier League dwelling defeat in opposition to Brighton.
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Teenage midfielder hooked in defeat
Bouaddi lower a pissed off determine on the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after being withdrawn simply 55 minutes into his aspect's >. Making his fifth begin of the marketing campaign throughout all competitions, the 10-cap Morocco worldwide struggled to affect proceedings earlier than making manner early within the second half. That show instantly prompted scrutiny over how the teenager is being utilised in Manchester.
Pundit questions superior midfield position
A two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Egypt in 2006 and 2008, Aboutrika believes {the teenager} – who > – is being stifled by working increased up the pitch quite than in his pure holding berth.
Talking in his position as an analyst for >, Aboutrika mentioned: "Enjoying Ayyoub Bouaddi as a quantity eight or quantity 10 is like enjoying Messi in purpose. His place is quantity six. Why change his positioning?"
In line with the previous attacker, deploying the teenager in a complicated midfield position prevents him from showcasing his greatest attributes from deeper areas, specifically profitable again possession, distributing passes and driving ahead with the ball – qualities that earned the Atlas Lion widespread reward in the course of the 2026 World Cup.
Report signing seeks breakthrough type
Bouaddi moved to the Etihad Stadium final summer season in a deal that >, previous to Ivorian attacker >.
Regardless of arriving within the north-west of England with a lofty popularity following his worldwide exploits, the 19-year-old has but to achieve high gear underneath Maresca. Throughout 9 outings in all competitions for the Premier League giants up to now this season, the midfielder has registered two assists whereas trying to find his greatest rhythm.
Leipzig journey gives fast response
Metropolis should shortly put Saturday's disappointing home setback behind them as they flip their consideration again to European motion in midweek. > on Matchday 4 of the Champions League league section, the place they at present sit tenth within the standings after accumulating six factors from their opening three fixtures. Whether or not Bouaddi retains his beginning berth or returns to a deeper position stays to be seen.
