Scouting Ayyoub Bouaddi: Premier League audition for Arsenal & Man United target

Ayyoub Bouaddi is considered one of the brightest midfielder talents in the world and he’s been linked with a blockbuster move to a major European club this summer. Scouts were in attendance at Villa Park tonight to cast their eye over the 18-year-old, who has been earning rare reviews in France this season. It was, however, an extremely disappointing night as Lille were knocked out of the Europa League after a 2-0 win for Aston Villa secured a 3-0 aggregate triumph for Unai Emery’s men.

There were some nervy moments for the English Premier League side but they deserved their progression with Emery - the most decorated manager in the competition’s history - aiming for a fifth title. The two-legged tie against prestigious English opposition allowed potential suitors to analyse Bouaddi’s current level with Villa a significantly stronger side than most Ligue 1 outfits. We observed the game to analyse the teenager’s performance and to study why there’s so much excitement around him in France.

Analysing Ayyoub Bouaddi

The two-legged tie against Villa only highlighted why it’s imperative to be patient over the growing expectations around Bouaddi. The midfielder is unquestionably a phenomenal talent but he struggled to impose himself in both legs. He was introduced at half-time in the first-leg and enjoyed some nice touches but was unable to inspire Lille to an equaliser. At Villa Park, Bouaddi formed a midfield duo alongside former Tottenham man Nabil Bentaleb and it was a fairly evenly contested opening 45 minutes.

The French U21 international looked composed in possession but Lille’s defensive formation restricted their ability to break down a resolute Villa defence. The Ligue 1 club’s best opportunity fell to Bouaddi but he failed to connect properly with Alexasandro Ribeiro’s cross and spurned a brilliant chance. Bouaddi’s maturity and tactical intelligence are amongst his biggest strengths and he didn’t look out of place against Villa. He struggled however to showcase his excellent passing range but he was composed on several occasions to maintain possession under pressure. But it wasn’t his best night and it was no surprise when he was replaced on 66 minutes with Villa chasing the game.

The future for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Bouaddi is on the shortlist of several of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s expected that he will move in the summer. Lille are renowned for their ability to develop talents before selling them for vast profits and the midfielder is their prized asset, valued at €40 million on Transfermarkt. Arsenal and Manchester United are known admirers with the latter in the market for two central midfielders this summer and they are expected to make a move.

PSG naturally are fully aware of Bouaddi’s precocious talent and could add him to their outstanding collection of midfield magicians. As the graphic above illustrates, Bouaddi is ranked as the sixth most valuable 18-year-old in the world on Transfermarkt and it’s poised to be a fascinating few months. It’s understood that Morocco want him to declare for them and feature at the World Cup but he’s yet to make a final decision. Bouaddi has been named in the France U21 squad but he’s on the radar of Didier Deschamps and viewed as a future starter for the senior squad.

Ronan Caroff, Ligue 1 expert at Transfermarkt, provided the view from France: “The precocity of Bouaddi continues to attract the eyes of the best clubs of the world, probably for the next summer window. He's now fully a starter for Lille, a metronome in the midfield, well composed despite his young age. Another element that strengthens the hype around him is a national team battle. Bouaddi has known all of the France youth teams, but Morocco might be able to snatch him this window, taking advantage of the very stacked France midfield where Bouaddi can't fill in yet.”