Manchester City’s recent struggles have raised questions about their midfield structure, with Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi at the centre.

Fernandez arrived from Chelsea in September for a club-record £125million, having previously worked with manager Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca believes the Argentine can become an important figure in his project, praising his winning mentality after completing the transfer.

“I know what he can bring to the team. He’s a winner, has a winner’s mentality. He knows how to win – World Cup, Club World Cup. The main thing is that, again, he’s a winner.”

However, City have lost three consecutive league matches, leaving them six points behind Arsenal and exposing weaknesses in their midfield, reports Manchester Evening News.

Maresca currently deploys Elliot Anderson as the defensive midfielder, with Rayan Cherki advanced and Fernandez operating towards the right.

Bouaddi Could Offer A Solution

Bouaddi has impressed in European competitions, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain, where his second-half introduction helped City improve considerably.

The 19-year-old also impressed against Porto but has struggled to secure regular Premier League opportunities, making just two starts.

Fernandez’s current form has made him vulnerable to losing his place, although dropping such an expensive signing would represent a significant decision.

City’s defensive problems have also intensified, conceding 17 goals across their previous eight matches, with individual mistakes contributing significantly.

Chief City writer Simon Bajkowski believes the midfield requires greater protection, questioning whether Maresca’s system exposes players to excessive defensive responsibilities.

“There is enough that has gone wrong in the midfield to put Bouaddi in and see how it looks.”

Although Bouaddi should not be expected to solve every problem immediately, his inclusion could provide Anderson with additional support and improve City’s balance.

Maresca must now decide whether maintaining faith in Fernandez outweighs the potential benefits of introducing Bouaddi when Premier League action resumes.