Enzo Maresca openly admitted that Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday was not without its complications. The uneven rhythm of their play prompted former England striker Alan Shearer, who was providing co‑commentary on Prime Video, to describe the Citizens as "weak" in that moment.
Even though City took longer than usual to cement their lead, they never truly seemed in danger of losing it. The statistics tell the same story: Porto were reduced to mere scraps of possession and failed to register a single shot on target. For a side that had gone unbeaten at the Estádio do Dragão throughout the entire 2026 calendar year, the Portuguese outfit could muster only a handful of half‑chances, none of which threatened the City goal.
The secret behind that defensive solidity lay in Manchester City’s exceptionally balanced midfield. The group’s cohesion and discipline kept Porto at bay and ensured the clean sheet.
It would be tempting to pit Maresca’s current side against the squads of previous seasons, when the midfield seemed to revolve around Rodri in the classic Pep Guardiola mould. Back then, the ball moved with a precision that left little room for criticism – every pass fell exactly where it should, and the overall shape was immaculate. Those days, however, appear to be behind us.
There is no urgency for Maresca to rush the implementation of his own tactical philosophy. "Slowly, slowly," he reminded viewers on Tuesday, fully aware that many pundits expected Guardiola’s exit to tilt the power balance in Manchester. If the new regime does not immediately dominate, some will be disappointed, but the manager is clearly taking a measured approach. Beyond the headline scoreline, the win in Portugal provides several encouraging signs that City are progressing.
Securing an away victory in the Champions League is always a noteworthy achievement, and doing so without conceding a goal adds an extra layer of confidence. One individual performance that deserves particular attention is that of the teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
While Erling Haaland’s two‑goal haul will naturally dominate the headlines, the frequency of Haaland’s scoring feats means that other standout moments can occasionally be overlooked. In this case, Bouaddi’s contribution was arguably the most compelling.
Haaland himself praised the youngster after the match, telling chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, "We have a gem there. He played an excellent game and has been outstanding in training." The £86 million summer acquisition from Lille exudes a rare confidence for someone still in his teenage years. He is neither cocky nor flamboyant; instead, he displays a calm, measured demeanor that is unusual for a player of his age.
When Bouaddi made his first start for City, he demonstrated a level of composure and technical proficiency that reminded many observers of Rodri’s style. Maresca, speaking on Prime Video, remarked, "He never panicked. His performance was unbelievable." Bouaddi’s belief in his own skill set is evident in the way he uses subtle feints and quick changes of direction to retain possession.
His passing tempo is controlled, and he has already earned the trust of his teammates, who are comfortable handing him the ball even under pressure. Throughout the match, fellow attacker Rayan Cherki frequently used Bouaddi as a pivot, allowing the French forward to release into dangerous areas. Perhaps the most striking statistic is Bouaddi’s passing accuracy. In the Porto game he completed 98% of his passes, a figure that rivals Rodri’s 96% accuracy when he was orchestrating Barcelona’s 5‑1 demolition of Feyenoord just a day later.
While the sample size is tiny, it suggests that the young French‑Algerian could eventually fill the void left by the Spaniard. Labeling Bouaddi as "Baby Rodri" would be unhelpful – a nickname that once weighed down Nico González during his time at the club.
Such comparisons set unrealistic expectations and can become a self‑fulfilling prophecy of failure. Nonetheless, the broader composition of City’s midfield indicates that the team can adapt to the loss of a player many believed to be irreplaceable.
Rodri remains a unique talent. After suffering an ACL injury in 2024, his ability to feature in three‑day‑a‑week rotations diminished, limiting his availability in the latter stages of his career.
Yet, with Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández, Maresca now possesses a trio capable of sharing the workload. Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest, has already posted possession metrics that compare favourably with Rodri’s.
Last season he outperformed the veteran across most key indicators, proving himself to be the central axis of Maresca’s new midfield framework. His composure on the ball, both in possession and when pressed, makes him a reliable figure for the manager. Adding Fernández to the mix brings a blend of creativity and tenacity. Though not a metronome in the traditional sense, he offers versatility – capable of operating as a deep‑lying playmaker, a box‑to‑box midfielder, or even an advanced number 10.
This flexibility mirrors the role Ilkay Gündoğan once played under Pep, a position that has been difficult to replicate since his departure. Collectively, these three players embody a spectrum of profiles: Bouaddi naturally fits the number 6 (defensive midfielder) role, while Anderson and Fernández are more akin to number 8s, capable of linking defence and attack. Their mobility allows them to interchange positions fluidly, providing Maresca with a dynamic toolbox. Financially, the £326 million spent on the midfield overhaul is substantial, but money alone does not guarantee instant triumph.
Anderson’s cameo off the bench against Porto showcased his calmness and control, traits that are invaluable in high‑pressure environments. While he brings Premier League experience and a steadier temperament, the 18‑year‑old Bouaddi will benefit enormously from training alongside him, accelerating his development. The true test of this revamped midfield will arrive at Old Trafford when City face Manchester United this weekend.
Both sides will rely heavily on their newly configured engines to dominate the centre of the park in a rivalry that often erupts into fierce, high‑intensity battles. Maresca is likely to deploy Anderson as the primary holding midfielder, with Fernández positioned just ahead to provide a link to attack. Bouaddi may either start or be introduced from the bench, but his role will be integral regardless of the exact lineup. Although it is still early days for the teenage "gem," the promise he shows suggests he could eventually possess every quality a modern midfielder requires.
In summary, Manchester City’s recent midfield restructuring demonstrates that the club may not be as dependent on Rodri as previously thought. The combination of experience, youth, and adaptability offers a solid foundation for future success, and the upcoming clash with United will be a crucial indicator of how quickly these pieces can gel.