Ayyoub Bouaddi, Manchester City's £86m signing from Lille, impressed on his first start for the club in a 2-2 Champions League opener against Porto, which City won 2-0 thanks to a Erling Haaland double. The 18-year-old midfielder, already a standout at this summer's World Cup with Morocco, showed composure well beyond his years and drew praise from pundits and team-mates alike, easing concerns about the club's midfield following Rodri's departure.

Bouaddi, at 18 years and 341 days, became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for City and made him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. He completed 54 of 55 passes and led both teams for dribbles (4), duels contested (13) and possession won (7). Manager Enzo Maresca and Haaland both praised his maturity and calmness under pressure, with pundit Pat Nevin calling the signing "an absolute no-brainer".