Mohamed Aboutrika has criticised Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca for the way he is using Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Manchester City suffered a 1-0 home defeat by Brighton on Saturday in the ninth round of the English championship, with Bouaddi substituted in the 55th minute.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his fifth start of the season across all competitions, but his performance and subsequent withdrawal prompted questions from Aboutrika, who said the player was being deployed in a position that did not suit his natural game.

The former Egypt international, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008, is now a pundit for beIN Sports MENA. He believes Bouaddi’s qualities are being restricted by being asked to operate further forward rather than in a deeper midfield role.

Aboutrika argued that the Moroccan’s strengths in winning possession, progressing the ball and driving forward with it are not being fully used. Those attributes had made a strong impression during the 2026 World Cup.

The criticism follows a difficult start to life in northern England for Bouaddi, who joined Manchester City last summer with the status of the most expensive African player in history. That record has since been overtaken by Ivorian Yan Diomande, who moved to Real Madrid.

Bouaddi has made nine appearances for Manchester City and has provided two assists. He has also won 10 caps for Morocco.

Aboutrika’s comments came after Bouaddi began the Brighton match but was taken off before the final half-hour, as Manchester City were unable to find an equaliser following the visitors’ 0-1 victory.