Ayoub Bouaddi: The young Welsh prodigy faced with a decline in activity

Bruno Genesio wanted to clarify the reduced playing time of Ayyoub Bouaddi, a young LOSC prodigy. Despite a notable participation in the team’s biggest rendezvous, notably as a holder in the eighth finals of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco, Real Madrid and Juventus Turin, the play time of the young midfielder (17 years) has decreased considerably.

Ayyoub Bouaddi played 34 games and accumulated 1759 minutes in all competitions. However, since the last international truce, it has only been credited 29 minutes in four meetings. He was already on the bench in Nantes before that time.

Bruno Genesio immediately swept the idea of a bad attitude from his protégé. “It has nothing to do with his behavior, Ayyoub (Bouaddi) is exemplary. If all the young players had the behaviour of Ayyoub, we would coach them much better,” said the Lille technician.

The coach explained that the situation was due to strong midfield competition and a small knee pain that affected the young player. “No, it’s just because we have a game area in which we have a lot of players, if not too many, when others lack it. I’m obviously talking about the middle of the field. And then, Ayyoub (Bouaddi) also has a little knee pain that doesn’t stop playing, but it’s a little bothering him,” he added.

Bruno Genesio concluded by reassuring the situation: “I’ve found him a little less good lately, but it’s normal, he’s a young player. He’ll still have moments like that, but there’s absolutely nothing serious about his behavior. On the contrary, he still works so much, he is still as professional. I have no concern for him for the rest of the season and his career. "