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When Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening FIFA World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, it was easy to focus on the result.
Less obvious, but arguably more significant, was the performance of an 18-year-old midfielder making only the second senior appearance of his international career.
Ayyoub Bouaddi was named player of the match after producing a composed display against one of world football’s most experienced midfields.
While Brazil relied on the experience of Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, it was Bouaddi who dictated the tempo, completed passes under pressure and repeatedly found space between the lines.










