A fast start for the new arrival
Ayyoub Bouaddi's first month at Manchester City has already produced a notable individual honour. The 18-year-old, who only arrived from Lille towards the end of August, has been shortlisted for the Men's Young Talent of the Year award.
The prize is part of the annual Ballon d'Or honours, traditionally associated with the Kopa Trophy. Bouaddi is one of ten players in contention, a list that also includes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, as well as Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery.
This is not a flash-in-the-pan nod. Bouaddi finished ninth in last year's voting, making it a second successive nomination. The recognition is rather more than a consequence of his recent move to England.
Already in Maresca's plans
Since joining the Blues, the midfielder has featured from the bench against Crystal Palace and Coventry. He is also part of Enzo Maresca's travelling squad for tonight's Champions League opener against Porto.
The winner of the award will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on 26 October.