Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself on the biggest club stage with a composed and eye-catching performance as Manchester City defeated Porto 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League, earning glowing praise from team-mate Erling Haaland.

The 18-year-old, signed from Lille for £86 million — making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history — was handed his first City start and repaid the faith with a display well beyond his years.

While Haaland grabbed the headlines with two goals, it was Bouaddi who commanded attention in midfield with a performance that offered City fans early reassurance following Rodri's departure.

Stats that tell the story

Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes and led both teams across three key metrics: most dribbles (4), most times possession won (7), and most duels contested (13). At 18 years and 341 days old, he became the fourth-youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League match for City.

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin was effusive in his admiration during BBC Radio 5 Live's coverage. "His age, his game — he looks absolutely born to do it," Nevin said. "I cannot take my eyes off Bouaddi, he looks very special. The City fans had the fear of losing Rodri — I watched Bouaddi playing against Scotland at the World Cup, he has been very impressive so far. Bouaddi is an absolute no-brainer. He is brilliant. You get him at that age and you don't think he might work, he is a class act."

Maresca's verdict

Manager Enzo Maresca was equally impressed, pointing to the Moroccan's composure under pressure as a defining quality. "He is very good," Maresca said. "Against Coventry, he lost two balls and after that he was inside our box and calm. Other players may have panicked but at 18, he is a fantastic player. Tonight, he was very good. He speaks French, English, Spanish perfect. He is different in how mature he is. This is why the club has made the effort for him to be with us."

Those in power at City believe Bouaddi has all the attributes to develop into a world-class talent — a view supported by his standing at international level. Two years ago, he earned a standing ovation from Lille supporters after helping his side beat holders Real Madrid in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. On Tuesday in Portugal, the travelling City fans were doing the same.

Haaland's playful praise

Haaland was full of praise for the teenager, though he could not resist a pointed joke. "He did a really good game," the Norwegian said. "The last couple of weeks in training, he has been amazing. I think we have got a gem there, to be honest." He added with a grin: "I think he should've played me through in the second half so I was a bit angry. But he played a good game… except for that pass."

Bouaddi took centre stage for Morocco at this summer's World Cup, and City moved quickly to secure him ahead of the new season. This was only his 10th appearance in the UEFA Champions League, but he showed no sign of being overawed by the occasion.