Mikel Arteta told to sign 'perfect' Morocco star for Arsenal immediately after Brazil masterclass
Arsenal fans have called on manager Mikel Arteta to sign Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi immediately after his side's 1-1 draw against Brazil in the World Cup.
Morocco kicked off Group C in ideal fashion, with Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz setting away Ismael Saibari before the PSV striker produced a delightful lob over the head of Alisson.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions dominated the first 30 minutes, and it took a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior to equalise for Brazil on 32 minutes.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had the better of the play from then onwards, but Morocco could have won it in second half stoppage time when Neil El Aynaoui was twice denied by Alisson in quick succession.
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It ended up being a point for both sides that puts them in a strong position to progress through to the knockout stages, with a total of four points set to be enough to secure a safe passage to the round of 32.
But while attention was on the likes of Vinicius, Raphinha and Brahim in the build-up, there was a significant competitive debut within the Morocco ranks.
'He's the perfect Arteta player' - Arsenal fans demand new signing
One of the stories of the World Cup build-up was the decision of Lille midfielder Bouaddi - a former captain at youth international levels - to switch international allegiance from France to Morocco.
He was given a starting berth by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, and the 18-year-old responding by patrolling the midfield for much of the 90 minutes in New York.
Bouaddi dropped deep to come for the ball, gestured towards passing lanes for his team-mates and consistently drove forward with the ball when he received it.
He completed 91 per cent of his passes, won four tackles and completed five interceptions, as well as six ball recoveries.
It was his all-round game that has already convinced Arsenal fans that he should be the next big arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
One fan wrote on Twitter: "If we pair Rice and Bouaddi, then we go back-to-back champions."
A second said: "Ayyoub Bouaddi will be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and I'm desperate to have him."
A third added: "This is the first time I have seen Bouaddi play and I think he's very Arteta coded."
"Arteta wanting Bouaddi from last season shows just how great his talent ID is," another wrote. "Imagine if we had gotten him."
And a fifth stated: "Bouaddi is the perfect Arteta player - can play multiple positions very well and only 18 years of age, will only go and get better."
Topics: Brazil, Morocco, FIFA World Cup, Arsenal
Ryan Smart