Bouaddi recalls daily viewing of Iniesta highlights
The Manchester City midfielder also discussed his preferred position after playing in defensive roles during his development.
Andres Iniesta was Ayyoub Bouaddi's boyhood idol, the 19-year-old Morocco international told Manchester City's media team, recalling how he sought out YouTube highlights of the former Barcelona midfielder daily.
Rather than regularly following full matches involving Iniesta, Bouaddi said he discovered the Spaniard largely through online videos showcasing his technique and dribbling. He had also named Iniesta as an influence when speaking to So Foot in 2025.
On his own role, Bouaddi described himself primarily as a midfielder, despite experience at center-back and right-back. If a midfield position were not available, he said his next choice would be right-back.
Since moving from Lille to City in August, Bouaddi has played under Enzo Maresca in domestic and European competition. During the 3-2 league victory against Ipswich, his contribution included seven successful ground duels, 92 touches and seven passes through opposition lines.
Maresca commended his contribution in possession and his work without the ball following that win, but emphasized that aspects of his game still needed improvement. Bouaddi said he was happy with his initial months at City and remained determined to develop and help when picked.
