Bouaddi ready for Selhurst bow as City ease new signing in
Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to be part of the Manchester City squad for tomorrow night's trip to Selhurst Park, with Enzo Maresca confirming the new signing is fit and available for the second Premier League match of the season.
The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder completed his move from Lille yesterday, and Maresca has indicated that a place on the bench is the most likely outcome for the youngster against Crystal Palace.
Speaking ahead of the game, the City boss was clear that Bouaddi has done enough in training to be involved, even if a starting berth appears unlikely at this stage.
“He is ready, he was working with his former club so he is fit,” Maresca said. “We will see how long it is in terms of adaptation but for sure he is ready to go.”
The Italian was equally measured when discussing how quickly the teenager should be expected to settle into English football. Bouaddi, he noted, carries himself with a maturity that belies his age.
“He’s quite calm. He doesn’t look 18 – he looks older which is important but in this case we need to go slowly because he is young, came from a different country,” Maresca added.
There is a clear sense that City intend to manage Bouaddi's introduction carefully. The manager stressed that there is no rush to throw him into the deep end, even if the long-term plan is for him to become a key figure in the club's midfield.
“No rush for him. For sure he will help us now and in the future. But he is just 18. It is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way, don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time,” he said.
Given that approach, it would be a surprise to see Bouaddi named in the starting XI at Selhurst Park. A spot among the substitutes looks more plausible, with any minutes he can pick up tomorrow night representing a useful first step.
If Bouaddi does get some game time against Palace, it would be a solid foundation for what promises to be a gradual integration into Maresca's plans.