According to a report by GOAL on Monday, November 2, 2026, Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika has criticised Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca over his use of young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following the club's disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Aboutrika believes Maresca is deploying the 19-year-old in the wrong position, insisting that the Moroccan international is more effective as a defensive midfielder rather than playing further up the pitch.

Bouaddi struggled to make an impact during Saturday's match at the Etihad Stadium and was substituted after just 55 minutes.

The midfielder was making his fifth start of the season across all competitions, but his performance raised questions about his role in Maresca's setup.

Speaking as an analyst for beIN Sports MENA, Aboutrika questioned the decision to use the youngster as either a number eight or number 10.

"Playing Ayyoub Bouaddi as a number eight or number 10 is like playing Messi in goal. His position is number six. Why change his positioning?" the former Egypt forward said.

Aboutrika, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt in 2006 and 2008, believes Bouaddi's qualities are better suited to a deeper midfield role.

The former Al Ahly star explained that the teenager has the ability to win possession, distribute passes and drive the ball forward from a defensive midfield position.

However, he feels that deploying Bouaddi in a more advanced role could limit his ability to demonstrate those strengths.

Bouaddi joined Manchester City last summer with a strong reputation following his impressive performances for Morocco.

His transfer briefly made him the most expensive African footballer in history before Ivorian forward Yan Diomande broke the record with his move to Real Madrid.

Despite the expectations surrounding his arrival, the youngster is still working to find consistent form under Maresca.

He has made nine appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists, but is yet to establish himself as a consistently influential figure in the team.

Manchester City will now look to bounce back from their defeat to Brighton when they travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Maresca's decision on whether to keep Bouaddi in the starting line-up or return him to his preferred number six position is expected to attract attention ahead of the encounter.