‘Killing him’ – Man City handed Ayyoub Bouaddi warning after signing £86m ‘new Rodri’

Premier League cult hero Mido has warned against Manchester City fans heralding Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri’s direct replacement.

Bouaddi officially joined City from Lille on Wednesday, with many hopeful he can lead the club’s midfield for years to come.

Getty

However, Mido was keen to pump the brakes on any discussion Morocco international Bouaddi would instantly fill the void left by Rodri, as he pointed out the pair are completely different players.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri completed a move to Barcelona this summer for £65.4m after seven seasons, and four Premier League titles, at City.

“You would be killing him to compare him to Rodri,” ex-Tottenham striker Mido said on talkSPORT Breakfast.

“Rodri is a different class, he’s the best holding midfielder in the world. The boy is just 18, but he’s a great talent and showed he’s brave, not scared to lose the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch.

“Now that Rodri’s left, he will get a good chance to express himself and to get playing time. But he needs time.

“The worst thing to do for the boy and for Manchester City is to link him with Rodri. He’s not a replacement for Rodri, he’s a totally different player.

“Rodri is 6ft 2, he’s strong, he’s got big legs that can cover big spaces in midfield.

“The boy is a bit smaller, but he’s got great technique and he’s not scared under pressure, he knows how to get himself out of difficult situations.

“I really wish him well, he’s a top talent.”

Man City sign Bouaddi

The teenager was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup, starting five games for Morocco.

Getty

Bouaddi was the most highly coveted player in this summer’s transfer window and was a coup for City to sign the Lille star.

On joining City, Bouaddi said: “This is a very special day for me and my family. 

“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player.

“I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.   

“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win.   

“The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.  

Getty

“I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.   

“This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.” 

Bouaddi’s move to City was completed on Wednesday, meaning he is available to make his debut on Friday evening away to Crystal Palace.

Although Maresca was delighted to get the talented teenager through the door, he isn’t pinning all his hopes on Bouaddi from the get-go.

“He’s ready and he was working with his former club, so he is fit,” Maresca said.

“He’s quite calm, he doesn’t look 18!

“In this case, we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country.

“So, no rush for him, but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future.”

Listen to live commentary of Crystal Palace vs Man City this Friday on talkSPORT, with kick-off at 8pm.