Morocco saw off Scotland to all but ensure their place in the World Cup knockout phase and there was plenty of interest from an Arsenal standpoint.
Former Gunners Kieran Tierney lined up for the Scots and was subbed off through injury midway through the second half.
For Morocco, it was the inclusion of teenage midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi that led a number of Arsenal fans to keep a close eye on this one.
And after watching him closely for 90 minutes, it’s easy to see why Arsenal want him.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi simply has to be Arsenal’s big signing this summer
Every so often, you feast your eyes on a young player in football and you can just tell instantly they’re already on a world level.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of those players.
From minute one, he took control of the midfield against Scotland and throughout the game, he never really let the likes of McGinn and McTominay get involved.
Bouaddi has the beautiful knack in his game of simply being in the right place at the right time, especially in terms of his defensive work.
But he doesn’t stop there and he also contributes further up the field as well.
Bouaddi completed 96% of his passes from the middle of the park and after only just deciding he’d play for Morocco ahead of the tournament, he’s showing just why Arsenal are so keen.
Ally McCoist remarked on commentary that Bouaddi had been ‘the best player on the field’ and the former Scottish forward was spot on.
A World Cup is always a place for players to emerge from the shadows and become a world star.
Right now, Bouaddi is doing that and if Arsenal are to make their mark this summer, then he has to be signing number one.
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