Bouaddi impresses on first start - have Man City found 'a gem'?

Ayyoub Bouaddi belied his age with a mature Champions League performance on his first Manchester City start to showcase why the club were so intent on signing the 18-year-old.

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.

And after two substitute appearances for City, he was handed his first start against Porto and did not look out of place during the 2-0 victory.

Erling Haaland will take the plaudits for his two goals, but it was Bouaddi who caught the eye with a tidy and assured performance in the middle of the park, signalling early signs that Rodri may not be too sorely missed after his departure.

"His age, his game – he looks absolutely born to do it," former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live during the game.

"I cannot take my eyes off Bouaddi, he looks very special. The City fans had the fear of losing Rodri - I watched Bouaddi playing against Scotland at the World Cup, he has been very impressive so far.

"Bouaddi is an absolute no-brainer. He is brilliant. You get him at that age and you don't think he might work, he is a class act."

Haaland nets double as Man City begin Champions League with win at Porto