There have been a couple of surprising results at the World Cup this summer, just eight games into a tournament that will last for six weeks. One of them is Morocco stopping Brazil.
For onlooking Chelsea fans, many will have felt their old manager Carlo Ancelotti lacked a striker like Joao Pedro up top. Indeed, Selecao could have done with Chelsea’s Player of the Season on Saturday night.
But that was not all of Brazil’s problems. The midfield of Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta didn’t work, and Morocco took advantage. Indeed, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists took the lead.
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On the balance of play, although Vinicius Jr. equalised, Morocco probably deserved a win. One crucial reason for Morocco avoiding defeat was the performance of Lille’s teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The teenage midfielder was superb on the night and helped Morocco make a good start in the hardest of their three group games, with Scotland and Haiti up next. Everything good Morocco did, he was involved.
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Bouaddi was sensational on the night against a midfield trio many consider the best in the competition. At just 18, it was Bouaddi’s 100th senior game for club and country, but only his fourth for Morocco.
Combine the event, the platform, the opponents and his age, Bouaddi would have been forgiven for making a few nervous mistakes. But on the contrary, Bouaddi was almost inch-perfect on the night.
A stunning, driving performance that earned praise from Alan Shearer, who picked out Bouaddi’s display while analysing the 1-1 draw on The Rest Is Football. Chelsea fans have implored their club to sign him.
Many believe Bouaddi would be a top signing at the Bridge, even if the need for older players has been pushed by supporters. Chelsea were linked with making a £44m bid ahead of the January window.
But there’s bad news for Chelsea. Indeed, Sky Sports claim that Arsenal have made Bouaddi a priority in the upcoming summer window and want him signed, with Lille now said to be requesting north of £60m.
Why Bouaddi would be the perfect signing for Chelsea
Chelsea need a player who has a mix of all the traits that the Blues’ current midfielders have. One that can defend and be physical, but equally as technical and creative. One that can score goals, but make blocks.
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7. Josh Acheampong
6. Estevao Willian
5. Levi Colwill
4. Moises Caicedo
3. Joao Pedro
2. Reece James
1. Cole Palmer
Bouaddi is that. While he is a holding midfielder, Bouaddi is known for his progressive passing into the final third rather than a number 6 that keeps things simple and looks to keep a pass percentage high.
This is a midfielder that has the strength of Caicedo, the vision of Andrey Santos and a technical ability that could easily grow to match Enzo Fernandez. He has a bit of everything and Chelsea have to move.
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