Enzo Maresca openly admitted that Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday was not without its hiccups. The uneven display prompted former England striker Alan Shearer, who was co‑commentating on Prime Video, to label the Citizens as "weak" during the broadcast. While City eventually sealed the win late in the match, they never truly seemed in danger of losing their lead. Statistically, Porto were reduced to a handful of half‑chances and failed to register a single shot on target.
For a side that had never before been beaten at the Estádio do Dragão in the entire 2026 calendar year, the Portuguese outfit’s attacking threat was almost non‑existent. The credit for that defensive solidity belongs largely to City’s remarkably balanced midfield, which kept the opposition at bay and dictated the tempo throughout the game.
It would be easy, however, to fall into the trap of measuring Maresca’s side against the flawless, Rodri‑centric displays that defined Pep Guardiola’s earlier years at the club. Back then, every pass seemed pre‑programmed, every movement choreographed, and criticism was scarce because the system ran like clockwork.
Those days appear to be behind us now. Maresca is in no hurry to force his philosophy upon the squad.
"Slowly, slowly," he reminded viewers on Tuesday, fully aware that many pundits expected Guardiola’s exit to cause a power shift in Manchester. So far, the reaction has been more of cautious optimism than disappointment. Beyond the headline scoreline, the victory in Portugal offers several encouraging signs that City are still on an upward trajectory.
Winning away in the Champions League is always a notable achievement, and doing so without conceding a goal adds a further layer of confidence. Perhaps the most compelling individual story from the night was the emergence of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. While Erling Haaland’s two‑goal haul will inevitably dominate headlines, Bouaddi’s performance deserves equal, if not more, recognition. After the match, Haaland himself praised the youngster, telling chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, "We have a gem there.
He played a fantastic game and is incredible in training." The £86 million summer acquisition from Lille has shown a poise that belies his age. He is not arrogant or flashy; instead, he exudes a calm, measured confidence. In his first start for City, Bouaddi displayed many traits reminiscent of Rodri’s style – composure under pressure, intelligent positioning, and a willingness to make the right pass at the right time. "He never panicked," Maresca remarked on Prime Video.
"His performance was unbelievable." Bouaddi’s technical self‑belief is evident in the way he uses subtle feints and quick shimmies to change direction while in possession. His passing tempo is controlled, and he has already earned the trust of his teammates, who were comfortable handing him the ball even when pressed. Rayan Cherki, for instance, repeatedly used Bouaddi as a pivot throughout the match. Statistically, his passing accuracy was a staggering 98 percent, edging even Rodri’s 96 percent in a recent 5‑1 win for Barcelona over Feyenoord.
While the sample size is tiny, the numbers hint at a player capable of matching the precision of his predecessor. Calling Bouaddi "Baby Rodri" can be a double‑edged sword.
The nickname once weighed heavily on Nico González during his stint at the club, creating unrealistic expectations. Yet, the broader picture suggests that City’s new midfield composition can collectively compensate for the loss of a player many thought irreplaceable.
Rodri remains a unique talent, and his later years at City have been hampered by an ACL injury suffered in 2024, limiting his ability to feature every three days. However, with Bouaddi now in the mix alongside Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández, Maresca has a trio of midfielders capable of sharing the load.
Anderson, who came off the bench against Porto, posted possession numbers comparable to Rodri’s, which is no surprise given his standout performances for Nottingham Forest last season. He acted as the stabilising force in the midfield, displaying composure both with and without the ball.
Although he brings more Premier League experience than the 18‑year‑old Bouaddi, the youngster will undoubtedly benefit from training alongside him. Fernández adds another dimension to the unit. While Bouaddi naturally fits the No 6 (defensive midfield) role and Anderson and Fernández are more akin to No 8s (box‑to‑box), all three possess the mobility to interchange positions. Fernández can also operate as a No 10, offering a goal‑threat that has been missing since Ilkay Gündoğan’s departure under Pep.
This versatility mirrors the fluidity that Guardiola prized, but with a modern twist. Collectively, the £326 million invested in these players has delivered a promising blend of talent, tenacity, and adaptability. Anderson’s experience, Bouaddi’s raw potential, and Fernández’s creative spark create a midfield that can function as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individual stars. The upcoming derby at Old Trafford will serve as the first major test of this revamped engine room.
Both clubs will rely heavily on their newly fashioned midfield cores to dominate the centre of the park in what is always a fiercely contested rivalry. Maresca is likely to deploy Anderson in the deeper holding role, with Fernández positioned just ahead of him. Bouaddi may either start or provide impact off the bench, but regardless of his exact minutes, his presence signals a bright future for City’s midfield.
In summary, while Rodri’s legacy at Manchester City is undeniable, the club now possesses a suite of young, dynamic midfielders who can collectively fill the void. The transition may still be in its early stages, but the signs are encouraging, and the prospect of a midfield capable of delivering every quality imaginable is an exciting one for the fans.
Watch Manchester United versus Manchester City live on Sky Sports Main Event this Sunday, kick‑off at 4.30 pm.