According to a report by GOAL on Monday, November 2, 2026, Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika has questioned Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca's decision to deploy young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in an advanced role following the team's disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League.

Aboutrika believes the manager is not using the 19-year-old in his most effective position, insisting that the Moroccan international would perform better as a defensive midfielder rather than playing further up the pitch.

Bouaddi struggled to make a significant impact during Saturday's encounter at the Etihad Stadium and was eventually withdrawn after 55 minutes. The match represented his fifth starting appearance across all competitions this season, but his performance attracted criticism regarding his tactical responsibilities.

Speaking as a football analyst on beIN Sports MENA, Aboutrika expressed his disagreement with Maresca's 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 international said.

The former Al Ahly midfielder, who helped Egypt win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008, believes Bouaddi's natural abilities are better suited to a deeper position in midfield.

According to Aboutrika, the teenager possesses the qualities required to protect the defence, recover possession, distribute the ball effectively and initiate attacking movements from deeper areas.

He believes moving the youngster into a more advanced position could limit his influence and prevent him from displaying his strongest attributes.

Bouaddi joined Manchester City during last summer's transfer window after attracting attention through his impressive performances for Morocco. His transfer initially made him the most expensive African footballer in history before Ivorian forward Yan Diomande broke the record with his move to Real Madrid.

Despite arriving with considerable expectations, the midfielder is still working towards establishing himself as a consistent performer under Maresca.

He has featured nine times across all competitions this season, contributing two assists, although he is yet to become a regular influential presence in the starting lineup.

Manchester City will now attempt to recover from their setback against Brighton when they travel to Germany for their Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.

Maresca's decision regarding Bouaddi's involvement will attract attention, particularly whether he retains the teenager in an advanced midfield position or restores him to the defensive role Aboutrika believes suits him best.

The upcoming fixture could provide the youngster with another opportunity to demonstrate his quality and strengthen his position within the squad.