Enzo Maresca openly admitted that his side "complicated" the 2-0 victory over Porto in Tuesday's Champions League fixture, and the uneven rhythm of the display prompted former striker Alan Shearer to label the team "weak" during Prime Video's co‑commentary. While City eventually sealed the win with a late goal, they never truly threatened to lose their advantage. Statistically, Porto were reduced to scraps, failing to register a single shot on target throughout a match in which they have never been beaten at the Estádio do Dragão during the 2026 campaign. The backbone of that defensive solidity was City’s exceptionally balanced midfield, which kept the Portuguese side at bay and limited their attacking chances to virtually none.
The natural temptation is to compare Maresca's current midfield to the era when Rodri was the fulcrum of Pep Guardiola's side – a period when the ball seemed to glide effortlessly from one player to another, each pass landing exactly where it should. That brand of seamless, almost mechanical football has faded, but there is no need for panic.
Maresca has repeatedly stressed that his project will evolve "slowly, slowly," fully aware that many observers expect Guardiola's exit to tilt the balance of power in Manchester. So far, the early signs suggest those expectations may be premature. Beyond the headline result, the win in Portugal offers several deeper reasons to believe City are on an upward trajectory. Securing an away victory in the Champions League, and doing so without conceding, is a benchmark that should not be dismissed lightly.
Yet perhaps the most compelling narrative from the night was the emergence of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. While Erling Haaland's brace naturally attracted the spotlight, Bouaddi's performance was equally deserving of praise and, in some respects, more intriguing for the club's future.
In a post‑match interview, Haaland himself highlighted Bouaddi's impact, telling chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that the youngster was "a gem" who had delivered a "really good game" and had been "amazing in training." The 86‑million‑pound signing from Lille has already shown a confidence that belies his age. He is not arrogant or flamboyant; instead, he displays a calm, measured composure that mirrors Rodri's own demeanor on the pitch.
Maresca, speaking on Prime Video, described Bouaddi's display as "unbelievable" and noted that the teenager never appeared panicked, even when under pressure. Bouaddi's technical skill set is evident in his dribbling, feints, and ability to change direction while maintaining possession.
His passing tempo is controlled, and his teammates seemed comfortable handing him the ball in tight spaces – a trust exemplified by Rayan Cherki, who used Bouaddi as a reliable outlet throughout the match. Perhaps the most striking statistic is his passing accuracy: 98% against Porto, surpassing Rodri's 96% in Barcelona's 5‑1 win over Feyenoord just a day later. While the sample size is tiny, the comparison underscores Bouaddi's potential to fill the creative‑defensive role that many thought irreplaceable.
Labeling Bouaddi a "baby Rodri" could be counterproductive; the nickname once burdened Nico Gonzalez at City and set unrealistic expectations. Instead, the club now boasts a midfield trio capable of compensating for Rodri's reduced availability after his 2024 ACL injury. Alongside Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández provide a blend of youth, experience, and versatility that could sustain the team even when Rodri is rested.
Anderson, who came off the bench against Porto, posted possession numbers that rivaled Rodri's, a testament to his development during his spell at Nottingham Forest. His composure on and off the ball, combined with Premier League experience, makes him a reliable anchor for Maresca's system. Fernández adds tenacity and a goal‑threat that has been missing from City's midfield since Ilkay Gündogan's departure, capable of operating as a traditional number 8 or even drifting into a number 10 role when needed.
The financial outlay – roughly £326m for the three players – reflects the club's ambition to secure top‑class talent. Yet money alone does not guarantee instant cohesion.
The real value lies in how quickly these individuals adapt to Maresca's fluid, position‑switching philosophy. So far, each has settled into his role with minimal disruption, suggesting a chemistry that cannot simply be bought. Looking ahead, the next major test arrives at Old Trafford, where Manchester United will challenge City in a high‑stakes derby.
Both sides will rely heavily on their revamped midfields to dominate the centre of the park, and the outcome could provide a clearer picture of whether City truly no longer need Rodri. It is likely Maresca will deploy Anderson in the deepest role, with Fernández pushing slightly higher, while Bouaddi may either start or make an impact off the bench.
Regardless of the exact lineup, the emphasis will be on collective balance rather than reliance on a single player. In summary, Manchester City have begun to construct a midfield framework that, while still in its infancy, shows promise beyond the shadow of Rodri.
The combination of Bouaddi's emerging poise, Anderson's proven possession metrics, and Fernández's dynamism offers a versatile, multi‑dimensional core capable of adapting to various tactical demands. As the season progresses, the true test will be consistency and the ability to translate these early signs into sustained success across domestic and European competitions. If the club can maintain this trajectory, the notion that Rodri is irreplaceable may finally become a thing of the past.