Aboutrika questions Bouaddi’s role at Manchester City: ‘Like playing Messi in goal’

Mohamed Aboutrika has criticised Enzo Maresca’s use of Ayyoub Bouaddi after Manchester City’s 1-0 home defeat by Brighton in the ninth round of the English championship.

The Morocco international was substituted in the 55th minute at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, having started a match for the fifth time this season in all competitions.

Bouaddi, who has won 10 caps for Morocco, was deployed in a more advanced position than the defensive midfield role in which he has made his reputation. That decision left Aboutrika questioning whether the 19-year-old’s qualities are being properly used.

The former Egypt forward, now a consultant for beIN Sports MENA, compared the decision to “playing Messi in goal”, with the remark reflected in the criticism of Bouaddi’s role under Maresca.

Aboutrika believes the position is unnatural for Bouaddi and limits his influence. In particular, he argued that the player’s ability to win possession, begin attacks and carry the ball forward is being underused.

Those qualities were also said to have impressed during the 2026 World Cup, where Bouaddi’s performances strengthened his reputation as one of Africa’s leading young midfielders.

The midfielder joined Manchester City last summer with the status of the most expensive African player in history. That record has since been overtaken by Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who moved to Real Madrid.

Bouaddi has yet to make the expected impact in northern England, however. He has made nine appearances for Manchester City and recorded two assists.

His latest outing ended before the hour mark as Brighton secured victory at Manchester City, leaving Maresca facing renewed scrutiny over how he is deploying the young Morocco international.

Aboutrika, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Egypt in 2006 and 2008, considers Bouaddi’s defensive and ball-carrying strengths to be central to his game. In his view, asking the teenager to operate further forward restricts rather than maximises the qualities that made him such a highly valued signing.