Ayyoub Bouaddi impresses Brazil World Cup debut at 18

He is only 18 years old, but he played as if he already had a long history with the Lions of the Atlas. Starting against Brazil in Morocco’s World Cup opener, Ayyoub Bouaddi was one of the great revelations of the draw secured by Mohamed Ouahbi’s men (1-1).

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In the Moroccan midfield, the LOSC player did more than just hold his own. He set the rhythm, recovered balls, resisted pressure and participated in Morocco’s dominance early in the match. A performance all the more notable as it came against one of the tournament’s favorites, with Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in the opposing camp.

Foot Mercato did not hesitate to name him "man of the match", with a rating of 7.5. The media describes a player "brilliant" in his first World Cup match and official competition with Morocco. The strongest comment concerns his ball control: Bouaddi displayed, according to the site, a "stunning technical quality" for his age and against such an opponent.

The media also emphasizes his work rate. Defensively, Bouaddi won many balls and was often well-positioned. Foot Mercato even writes that he covered the kilometers "like a marathoner", while highlighting an "quite impressive" performance in both intent and execution.

This performance came in a match where Morocco long troubled Brazil. Foot Mercato spoke of Moroccan pressing "beyond reproach" and a Seleção "unrecognizable and helpless" early in the encounter. In this context, Bouaddi was one of the symbols of this first half-hour of very accomplished Moroccan football.

The foreign press also noted his performance. The Guardian noted in real-time that Bouaddi had "really impressed", evoking a very promising World Cup debut. A comment that sums up the feeling left by the young midfielder: Morocco may already have a new leader for years to come.

His choice to join the Lions of the Atlas had already been presented as a major coup for the Moroccan national team. Born in France to Moroccan parents, a former French youth international, Bouaddi ultimately chose Morocco before the World Cup. Against Brazil, he gave a first answer on the pitch.

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In a Moroccan team where experience remains important, his performance already changes his status. Bouaddi is no longer just a prospect who arrived just before the World Cup. After this match against Brazil, he appears as one of the players capable of embodying the new dimension taken by the Lions of the Atlas.