Enzo Maresca openly admitted that Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Porto in Tuesday’s Champions League match was not without its flaws. The team’s uneven display prompted former England striker Alan Shearer, who was co‑commentating on Prime Video, to label the side as "weak" at times. City eventually sealed the win, but they only solidified their lead late in the game.
Despite the wobble, they never seemed truly threatened with losing the advantage. Statistically, Porto were reduced to a handful of half‑chances and failed to register a single shot on target.
For a club that had never been beaten at the Estádio do Dragão throughout the entire 2026 calendar year, the Portuguese outfit struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The key factor behind this defensive solidity was City’s exceptionally well‑balanced midfield. Their ability to dominate possession and control the tempo meant that Porto were left chasing shadows. It is tempting to compare Maresca’s current side with the teams of the past, when everything seemed to revolve around Rodri under Pep Guardiola’s meticulous system.
Back then, the football was almost mechanical – every pass landed precisely where it should, and criticism was hard to find. That era, however, appears to be fading. There is no urgency for Maresca to rush his philosophy into place. "Slowly, slowly," he reminded viewers on Tuesday, fully aware that many expected Guardiola’s exit to tip the balance of power in Manchester.
The reality may be that the shift will not be as dramatic as some fear. Beyond the surface, the victory in Portugal offers several reasons to believe City are progressing.
Winning away in the Champions League is always a noteworthy achievement, and doing so while keeping a clean sheet adds extra weight. One of the most compelling stories from the night was the performance of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. While Erling Haaland’s two goals naturally attracted headlines, the impact of Bouaddi was equally significant and deserves recognition. Haaland himself highlighted Bouaddi’s contribution after the match, telling chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that the youngster was a "gem" and had delivered an "amazing" performance, both in the game and in training.
The £86 million summer acquisition from Lille has displayed a confidence beyond his years. He is not arrogant; rather, he remains calm, composed, and measured, showing many of the traits traditionally associated with Rodri.
Maresca praised him on Prime Video, saying, "He never panicked – his performance was unbelievable." Bouaddi’s confidence in his technical ability was evident in the way he used subtle feints and quick changes of direction to retain possession. His passing tempo was controlled, and he quickly earned the trust of his teammates, who were comfortable handing him the ball under pressure. Rayan Cherki, for example, consistently used him as a reliable outlet throughout the match.
Statistically, Bouaddi’s passing accuracy was outstanding – 98% against Porto – surpassing the 96% Rodri posted in Barcelona’s 5‑1 victory over Feyenoord just a day later. While this is a very small sample size and does not yet make a direct comparison possible, the early signs are promising. The nickname "Baby Rodri" once burdened Nico Gonzalez at the club, creating unrealistic expectations and pressure. In Bouaddi’s case, the label seems less restrictive; the new midfield configuration appears capable of compensating for the loss of a player many thought irreplaceable.
Rodri remains a unique talent. After an ACL injury in 2024, his ability to feature in three‑day‑a‑week rotations diminished. Yet, with Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández, Maresca now has a trio of midfielders who can collectively shoulder the workload.
Anderson, who impressed with possession stats that rival Rodri’s, has already shown he can outperform the veteran in many metrics during his spell at Nottingham Forest. He now serves as the central hinge of Maresca’s plan, providing stability and composure both on and off the ball. Adding Enzo Fernández to the mix gives the side a blend of creativity and tenacity. While not a metronome like Rodri, the three players together can operate effectively in unison, offering flexibility across the midfield.
The £326 million investment in these players begins to make sense when you consider their profiles. Anderson, who came off the bench against Porto, displayed calm control and a high level of tactical awareness.
His experience in the Premier League makes him a safer option than the 18‑year‑old Bouaddi, yet the youngster will benefit immensely from training alongside him. Each midfielder brings a slightly different natural position: Bouaddi is primarily a number 6, while Anderson and Fernández are more suited to a number 8 role. However, all three possess the mobility to shift between these roles as needed. Fernández can even operate as a number 10, adding a goal‑threat that has been missing from City’s midfield since the days of Ilkay Gündogan under Pep.
Overall, this midfield revamp is built on promising talent. The way each player has adapted to Maresca’s fluid system suggests a chemistry that money alone cannot buy. While the hefty transfer fee guarantees individual quality, it does not guarantee instant success; building connections takes time, though City seem to be on the right track.
The next major test arrives at Old Trafford when City face Manchester United this weekend on Sky Sports. Both sides will rely heavily on their revamped midfield cores to dominate the rivalry, which historically becomes a heated affair.
Maresca is likely to start Anderson in the holding role, with Fernández positioned just ahead of him. Bouaddi may still feature off the bench, but his involvement will grow as he gains experience. Though it is still early days for the teenage "gem," his potential is exciting, and he could eventually embody every desirable midfield quality. In conclusion, Manchester City may no longer need Rodri to maintain their dominance; a new generation of midfielders is stepping up to fill the void and could lead the club into another era of success.