Maresca Praises Bouaddi's Maturity at Man City

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has praised Ayyoub Bouaddi's intelligence and maturity, insisting the 18-year-old has the potential to become a top player for the club.

Bouaddi joined City from Lille during the summer and has quickly attracted attention with his composure and understanding of the game despite his young age.

Maresca has repeatedly stressed the importance of managing the teenager's development carefully rather than placing excessive expectations on him.

“He can be a top player, no doubt, but we need to help him,” Maresca said previously.

The City boss has also been impressed by Bouaddi's personality away from the pitch, revealing that the midfielder is studying for a university degree alongside his football career.

Maresca believes Bouaddi's intelligence is reflected in the way he handles difficult situations on the pitch.

“He's just 18. You expect Erling, Ruben, Mateo that they can manage these games, but he was top,” Maresca said after praising the youngster's composure during City's early-season fixtures.

However, the Italian coach has been careful not to place too much pressure on the teenager.

Maresca previously urged patience with Bouaddi, saying it was important to help him adapt to Premier League football and gradually introduce him to the demands of playing regularly at the highest level.

That approach has already produced encouraging signs.

Bouaddi made his first Champions League start for City in their 2–0 victory over Porto on September 8, with Maresca praising his performance and maturity after the match.

The midfielder's calm display in a difficult away atmosphere provided another indication of why City invested heavily in his potential.

At only 18, Bouaddi still has considerable room for development, but Maresca clearly believes the young midfielder possesses the football intelligence and personality required to become an important player at Manchester City.

For now, however, the manager's message remains clear: Bouaddi has enormous potential, but his development must be handled patiently rather than rushed.