Ayyoub Bouaddi strengthened his case for a starting role at Manchester City despite their 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old Morocco international came on at half-time and transformed City’s midfield, earning praise from former France international Sidney Govou and, notably, team-mate Erling Haaland.

PSG had dominated the opening 45 minutes, going into the interval with a 3-0 lead. With City’s midfield struggling, Enzo Maresca made three substitutions at the break, including replacing an ineffective Rayan Cherki with Bouaddi.

The change had an immediate impact. Having already impressed in City’s 2-0 win against FC Porto, the former Lille player again showed composure, energy and technical quality in a demanding European fixture.

Bouaddi repeatedly handled PSG’s press, advanced play with incisive passing and chose his forward runs intelligently. His contribution led directly to City’s second goal in the 75th minute, when he delivered a precise cut-back for Haaland to score his second of the night and make it 4-2.

His performance was reflected in the statistics. Bouaddi completed 93% of his passes, won 100% of his duels and recovered eight balls - the joint-highest total of the match alongside Vitinha, despite playing only 45 minutes.

Govou, speaking live on Canal+, was impressed by the teenager’s display.

“He really made a difference - what he is doing is enormous,” he said. “He is showing a lot of maturity and technical accuracy, as well as a desire to play forward.”

Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye also helped City improve after being introduced at half-time in place of Jeremy Doku, offering greater threat in attack.

Although City could not complete a comeback against an inspired PSG side, Bouaddi’s performance gave Maresca one of the clearest positives from the match. His team-mates also appeared to recognise the importance of his contribution.

Haaland commented on Bouaddi’s latest Instagram post with the words: “MAN OF THE MATCH.” The endorsement carried particular weight because the Norway striker had benefited from Bouaddi’s assist for his second goal.

Bouaddi’s influence extended beyond his technical ability. At just 18, he displayed a maturity that allowed him to perform without appearing intimidated by either the quality of the opposition or the significance of the occasion.

City supporters already seem to have taken to their new number 32, a shirt previously worn by Carlos Tevez. The question now is whether Bouaddi’s impressive showing will lead to a change in his status within the team.