Enzo Maresca's Squad Shows Control and Resilience in European Match

Enzo Maresca walked away from a gruelling European night convinced his side had shown exactly what he wanted to see: control, resilience and a squad brimming with options.

The Italian was clear. His team should have killed the game earlier.

"I think we could've scored more goals, especially in the first half," he told Amazon Prime, reflecting on a performance that, in his view, fully merited the win. They carved out chances, dictated long spells and, crucially, kept things tight at the other end.

"We created enough chances to win the game. We didn't concede a lot," he said. "It's normal to come here and concede some chances because it's normal, so overall happy with the performance."

The satisfaction ran deeper than just the scoreline. For Maresca, this was a night that underlined the depth of his squad, the sense that he can trust almost anyone he turns to.

"I think I am lucky because all the squad is good players," he continued. "For a manager it is easy because you can give minutes to all of them, and tonight I think the guys that were inside were very good."

Bouaddi seizes the stage

One of those “guys inside” stole much of the spotlight. Ayyoub Bouaddi, still a teenager, played with the poise of a seasoned European campaigner.

If Maresca expects composure from the likes of Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic, Bouaddi’s calm on the big stage still took him aback.

"The good thing is that from Erling, Ruben, Mateo you expect how to manage this game," Maresca said. "But he was never in panic, Ayyoub Bouaddi. He was very good and I think the performance was unbelievable."

Alongside Enzo Fernandez, Bouaddi slotted into midfield as if this were just another training session, not a high-stakes away tie in Europe. That composure has not gone unnoticed inside the dressing room.

Haaland, who has seen plenty of young talents come and go, has already made his verdict known upstairs.

"I think he played a very good game," the striker said. "Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here."

Then came the forward’s sting in the tail. Even on a night of praise, standards remain ruthless.

"But to be honest, I think he should of played me through in the second half when I was all alone," Haaland added with a smile. "I was a bit angry, so I will tell him right now, he played a good game, except that pass."

One missed through ball, plenty of faith from his manager and one of the world’s deadliest strikers already calling him “a gem”. For Bouaddi, this felt less like a debut statement and more like the start of something that could reshape Maresca’s plans for the season.