Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has named former Barcelona player Andres Iniesta as the biggest influence on his footballing development.

The 19-year-old Morocco international joined City from Lille on a five-year contract in August, with the Premier League club paying £85.6M for his services.

That fee placed immediate pressure on Bouaddi to make an impact, particularly after City sanctioned major midfield departures. Rodri moved to Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders joined Al-Qadsiah, creating an opportunity for the young midfielder to earn a greater role.

Although his appearances have been limited, Bouaddi has impressed supporters with his performances and style of play. Asked this week about the players who inspired him while growing up, he pointed to Andres Iniesta.

“The player I watched? Andres Iniesta. He was the player I followed the most. I didn't watch him play that much, but whenever I did, he was incredible,” Bouaddi said.

The midfielder also explained how online videos introduced him to Iniesta’s skills during his childhood.

“I grew up with the generation of YouTube compilations. When I was a child, I watched videos of Iniesta's skills on YouTube every day,” he added.

Bouaddi has always viewed midfield as his natural position, despite having experience in defence.

“I've always been a midfielder. I've played at centre-back and even at right-back last season, but first and foremost, I'm a midfielder,” he said.

His progress at City has included a first Premier League start in the club’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich on 17th October. That appearance followed his contribution in the Champions League, where he set up a goal against Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager is gradually becoming more established in the City side, with manager Enzo Maresca placing increasing trust in the playmaker.

Bouaddi’s arrival formed part of City’s response to the changes in their midfield, and his performances have begun to attract attention despite the limited opportunities available to him so far. His admiration for Iniesta offers an insight into the technical qualities he hopes to bring to the team as he continues adapting to English football.

The young midfielder’s comments also underline the lasting influence of Iniesta’s Barcelona career on a generation of players who watched his performances through online compilations.