Ayyoub Bouaddi should be axed by Man City, his stats vs Brighton prove he's not ready

Opinion piece arguing Bouaddi should be dropped after struggling in City's Brighton defeat, winning just 40% of duels and losing possession three times.

Manchester City have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats under Enzo Maresca after an impressive seven-game winning start. The Italian manager faces pressure to find solutions, with questions over his starting XI selection. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the £85.6m summer signing from Ligue 1, came under particular scrutiny following Saturday's loss to Brighton. The 19-year-old struggled to impose himself, winning just two of five ground duels (40% success rate) and losing possession more than any other player on the pitch with three dispossessions. The article argues that despite his impressive World Cup and Ligue 1 form, Bouaddi may not yet be ready for regular Premier League football and should be given time on the bench to adapt. Enzo Fernandez is suggested as the preferred midfield partner for Elliott Anderson going forward, provided he remains in a deeper role.