Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, shines for Morocco against Brazil at the World Cup | OneFootball

Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, announced himself on the World Cup stage with a commanding display in Morocco’s midfield against Brazil.

According to Superdeporte, in a contest featuring Raphinha, Vinicius, Achraf and Brahim, the game delivered and Bouaddi emerged as Morocco’s compass, echoing the breakout impact of Ounahi or Amrabat four years ago.

He set the tempo, recovered possession and moved the ball quickly, never shying from duels and covering vast ground. His range, short and long, stood out, as did his positioning and even the applause he offered Chadi Riad after a slick pass.

The Lille midfielder is likely to attract enquiries about his price after such a showing. It could prove a fleeting summer crush, as so often happens at short tournaments, yet on this evidence he looks a bet worth considering.

Elsewhere, Saibari arrived with the bigger billing and backed it up. He scored the opener and led the line, as in Morocco’s last friendly, even though centre forward is not his natural role.

Saibari is an attacking midfielder who can operate ahead of a double pivot in a four-two-three-one or as a long interior in a four-three-three. He is more final third and goals than pure penalty-box play to date, and remains a name to monitor as Morocco continue to impress.

Source: Superdeporte