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

Erling Haaland described Manchester City team-mate Ayoub Bouaddi as a “real gem” after the young Moroccan made his first start for the club in their 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto.

The Premier League side began their Champions League campaign with a controlled win in Portugal, with Haaland scoring both goals. The Norway striker opened the scoring with a header in the 46th minute before completing the victory with a right-footed finish in the first minute of stoppage time.

Bouaddi, 18, was handed his first start for Manchester City against Porto after joining the club from French side Lille during the final week of the summer transfer window. His move was completed for a record fee.

Haaland was impressed by the teenager’s performance and said Bouaddi had also stood out during training.

“I think Ayoub Bouaddi played a very good game against Porto, he was amazing in training,” Haaland said in comments published on Manchester City’s official website. “I just told the club president that he was amazing.”

The striker added: “Honestly, I think we have a real gem.”

Haaland did, however, point to one moment when he felt Bouaddi should have made a different decision. The Norwegian said he had been unmarked during the second half but was not found by his team-mate.

“He should have passed the ball to me in the second half, I was completely free, so I felt a bit angry and I will tell him that,” Haaland said.

“He played a good game, apart from that play.”

Manchester City’s victory at Estadio do Dragao in Lisbon secured their first three points of the Champions League league phase. The result also provided Haaland with a significant early contribution to the club’s European campaign, as he supplied the finishing touch to a win that was settled by one goal in each half.

Porto were unable to respond after Haaland’s opening header, and City remained in control before the forward struck again late on. His second goal, scored with his right foot at 90 minutes and one minute, confirmed an important away victory for the English club.

The match marked the beginning of Manchester City’s Champions League journey and offered Bouaddi an early opportunity to make an impression after his arrival from Lille. Haaland’s public praise underlined the midfielder’s impact on his first appearance as a starter, despite the striker’s light-hearted criticism of the missed passing opportunity.