Ayyoub Bouaddi draws English media attention after Manchester City win

Friday 18 September 2026 - 23:33

Ayyoub Bouaddi is beginning to make his presence felt at Manchester City. The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder attracted attention in England after featuring in City's emphatic 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on 17 September.

Bouaddi started the third-round tie and played a part in one of the night's key attacking sequences, supplying the pass that allowed Rayan Cherki to double City's advantage. The performance added another encouraging moment to the midfielder's early adaptation to English football.

A composed contribution in midfield

Manchester City controlled much of the contest after breaking through in the 29th minute. Just three minutes later, Bouaddi helped create the second goal, finding Cherki with a forward pass that opened the Norwich defence.

The French international finished the move to make it 2-0, giving City a comfortable platform before half-time. Floyd Samba had opened the scoring, while Allan Elias and Ryan McAidoo later completed the rout, with Samba adding his second goal in the second half.

For Bouaddi, however, the significance of the evening went beyond a single assist. His involvement in City's midfield reflected the trust placed in him during a match in which the defending Carabao Cup holders rotated several players.

English media take notice

Bouaddi's contribution also attracted attention from English football outlets. The Guardian highlighted the Moroccan's involvement in the move that led to Cherki's goal, while specialist football coverage also singled out his assist.

Esteemed Kompany, a Manchester City-focused outlet, praised aspects of Bouaddi's performance, particularly his composure in possession and his positioning when City were without the ball.

Such coverage gives the young midfielder another opportunity to establish himself in the competitive environment surrounding Maresca's squad.

A gradual path into City's first team

Bouaddi joined Manchester City from Lille during the summer and is continuing the process of adapting to his new surroundings. His opportunities have come in different competitions, including the Champions League, where he had already received playing time against Porto.

The Norwich match provided another competitive test and allowed him to demonstrate his ability to contribute from midfield while playing alongside established attacking talents such as Cherki.

City's 5-0 victory secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Brighton & Hove Albion.

Another step in Bouaddi's adaptation

At 18, Bouaddi remains at an early stage of his Manchester City career. Yet his involvement against Norwich illustrates the type of opportunities available to him as he competes for a place within a squad containing considerable depth.

The assist for Cherki, combined with his work in possession and movement in midfield, has placed his latest performance under the spotlight in England. For the Moroccan international, the challenge now is to turn isolated opportunities into sustained involvement as the season progresses.