Haaland calls Manchester City team-mate Ayoub Bouaddi a ‘real gem’ after Porto win

Erling Haaland praised Ayoub Bouaddi after the teenager made his first start for Manchester City in their 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto, describing the Morocco international as “a real gem”.

Bouaddi started the opening-round match at Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday evening and played until the 75th minute, when he was replaced by Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Haaland scored both of Manchester City’s goals as they secured victory in Porto, but it was Bouaddi’s composed performance that also attracted attention. The midfielder joined Manchester City this summer for 100m euros and, despite being only 18, impressed with his maturity throughout the game.

“I think he had a great game,” Haaland told Amazon Prime after the final whistle. “In recent weeks, I told the club president during training that he was amazing. We have a real gem.”

The Norway striker did, however, reserve a light-hearted criticism for one moment early in the second half.

Haaland had moved into space behind the Porto defence and was making a dangerous run when Bouaddi chose to play the ball across to his left instead of passing to the forward.

Speaking with a smile, Haaland said, as reported by Foot Mercato: “Honestly, I think he should have passed me the ball in the second half when I was completely alone. I was a bit annoyed, so I will tell him now: he played a good game, apart from that pass.”

Despite that missed opportunity, Bouaddi’s display provided another positive for Manchester City on a night when Haaland’s finishing proved decisive. The striker’s brace settled the contest and gave the English side a winning start to their Champions League campaign.

The performance also marked an important step for Bouaddi following his move to Manchester City. Making his first start against Porto at one of European football’s major grounds, he showed the confidence and composure that prompted Haaland’s public endorsement.

Haaland’s comments underline the high expectations surrounding the young midfielder, while his joke about the missed pass reflected the forward’s own focus on attacking opportunities. Manchester City’s victory was ultimately secured by Haaland’s two goals, but Bouaddi’s contribution ensured that the match was also viewed as an encouraging breakthrough for the club’s new signing.

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