Manchester City were completely outplayed in Cardiff on Sunday.
It took Arsenal just 23 seconds to take the initiative at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Myles Lewis-Skelly picked out Riccardo Calafiori superbly for the Italian to fire the Gunners in front.
Midway through the first half, and Arsenal were two goals to the good. Christos Tzolis provided his first assist since his arrival from Club Brugge, teeing up Kai Havertz for an easy finish. And the tie itself was settled as a contest shortly after the restart as Martin Odegaard sat Gianluigi Donnarumma as Mikel Arteta oversaw a 3-0 win.
Sunday marked a tough first day in the City dugout for Enzo Maresca. The Italian succeeded Pep Guardiola earlier in the summer after the Spaniard’s 10-year dynasty drew to a close. If the Community Shield defeat showed anything, it’s that he has his work cut out.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Man City’s midfield need
What was obvious over the weekend was just how big a loss Rodri will be for the Cityzens. Spain’s 2026 World Cup hero is on the cusp of a move to Barcelona after both teams reached an agreement that’ll see the 30-year-old return to La Liga.
And in his absence, Maresca opted for a midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and summer arrival Elliot Anderson at the base of his favoured 4-2-3-1 setup. It was one that failed spectacularly. Neither bring that same element of control in the middle of the park, which was found wanting in Wales.
It’s why reports of City stepping up their efforts to sign £85.6m-rated Ayyoub Bouaddi less than 24 hours after defeat to Arsenal shouldn’t come as a surprise. City have been linked with the Morocco international for much of the summer. The teenager’s showings at the base of the Atlas Lions midfield saw his stock soar.
Work in tight areas key
What’ll appeal to Maresca is Bouaddi’s ability to retain possession in tight areas. One reason Arsenal were able to dominate in Cardiff was the ease with which they pressed onto the midfield. Both Anderson and Kovacic were dispossessed once on Sunday. The starting pair returned respective pass success rates of 81% and 88.7%.
By comparison, Bouaddi was dispossessed just once per 90 in Ligue 1 last season. Yes, it was level with Anderson and Kovacic on Sunday. However, neither played the full 90. In fact, City’s summer signing was withdrawn on the hour mark.
What’s more, the 18-year-old maintained a superior seasonal pass accuracy (85.7%) than Anderson managed against Arsenal. That rose to a more favourable 90% with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
What’s key, though, is that he operates more of an anchor midfielder that’ll compliment Anderson. Maresca had Kovacic carry out this duty against Arsenal, and it backfired. Bouaddi will offer more composure in a vital area that’ll free up Anderson to carry out the more nitty gritty defensive duties.
That’s not to say Bouaddi can’t shine off the ball. On the contrary, little gets by the Atlas Lions star once he commits to the challenge, evident in that he managed a fine 80.8% tackle success rate in Ligue 1 last season. That rose to 90% at the World Cup. Just one player dribbled past Bouaddi in North America this summer.
Bouaddi able to replace Rodri?
Having a player who is difficult to get past is vital for a City side going through a significant change. Providing that extra defensive shield will boost Maresca’s chances of succeeding in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium helm. The teenager also operates as a handy ball carrier, capable of gliding across the pitch in the same vein as Rodri.
Bouaddi has huge boots to fill that goes without saying. However, he’s a player who is more than capable of following in Rodri’s footsteps. Despite his tender years, Bouaddi has amassed close to 100 competitive appearances for Lille. He takes everything in his stride. Throw the midfielder in at the deep end, and he’ll swim.
And with the Premier League season kicking off this week, City need to get a deal for Bouaddi done sooner rather than later. Admittedly, the Community Shield should be taken with a pinch of salt. Little can be read into the Premier League curtain raiser, which to most, is viewed as nothing more than a glorified friendly.
After all, Erling Haaland was withdrawn shortly after the break. Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki only made cameo appearances. Jack Grealish made his first City appearance in 18 months in the 3-0 defeat.
Even so, the loss highlighted the glaring need for a midfield orchestrator. Some may feel Bouaddi isn’t ready for the responsibility that comes with succeeding Rodri. On the contrary, fresh blood is exactly what City need in arguably their most important position. He’s one who should thrive in the Rodri role.