Ayyoub Bouaddi’s decision to represent Morocco rather than France is already being viewed as a missed opportunity in France after the 18-year-old impressed despite Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat by PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The midfielder’s performance has revived debate over whether France could have benefited from his qualities, particularly with Zinedine Zidane potentially favouring technically gifted players if he takes charge of Les Bleus.

Dave Appadoo was among those struck by Bouaddi’s display. Speaking on L’Equipe du Soir, the Franco-Mauritian journalist praised the Moroccan international while expressing regret that France had not secured his commitment.

“He completely changed City’s game when he came on. It is a real failure for French football and for Zidane’s project,” Appadoo said.

Bouaddi’s profile has added weight to the argument. Didier Deschamps traditionally placed considerable emphasis on athletic ability in midfield, whereas Zidane is expected to be more receptive to players who can organise possession, control the tempo and dictate matches.

The inclusion of Lucas Da Cunha in discussions about his preferences has been cited as an example of that approach. Bouaddi has many of the qualities associated with such a role, including his passing, intelligent movement, ability to withstand pressure and notable maturity for his age.

Born in Senlis, Bouaddi still has plenty to learn, but his performances against Porto and PSG suggest he is already capable of competing at the highest level of European football.

His progress has also cast fresh light on comments made by Faycal Fajr when Bouaddi announced his decision to represent Morocco in May.

As Moroccan supporters celebrated the arrival of the former French international into the country’s youth set-up, the former Lions de l’Atlas midfielder struck a more sceptical tone.

“If he really had the level, he would already be in the France team,” Fajr wrote on Instagram.

After being accused of jealousy, Fajr later clarified his position.

“At no point did I say Bouaddi was not a good player, and certainly not a great talent. But if the France coach did not call him up, there is a reason,” he said.

Bouaddi’s performances now invite that reasoning to be reconsidered. The fact that Deschamps did not select him at the age of 18 did not necessarily mean he lacked the potential to join France in the coming months, particularly under a different manager with alternative footballing principles.

Whether he would have been given an opportunity by Zidane cannot be established, although it appears a strong possibility.

Morocco, however, did not wait for that question to be answered. The federation worked extensively to persuade Bouaddi, presented him with a sporting project and made clear its intention to include him in the national team’s future.

While France had not yet taken the step of calling him into the senior squad, the Lions de l’Atlas acted at the right moment.

Now that Bouaddi is attracting attention in the Champions League with Manchester City, Morocco can feel vindicated. France, meanwhile, will never know what the midfielder might have achieved under Zinedine Zidane.