Olivier Giroud recognizes talent when he sees it, and his recent praise for Ayyoub Bouaddi reflects that belief. Following Bouaddi's impressive World Cup debut for Morocco against Brazil last week, Giroud compared him to a young Kylian Mbappe, stating, "He was so mature for his age and I have the same feeling with Ayyoub."

Bouaddi, a midfielder currently playing for Lille, has attracted attention from clubs across Europe thanks to his fearless performances. His rise to prominence has been anticipated by those close to him, including his former coach Sofiane Khair, who remarked, "No one is shocked here. For us, it's logical."

Despite interest from France, Bouaddi chose to represent Morocco, honoring his family's roots. He shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram, recalling his childhood experience watching the 2018 World Cup in a Morocco shirt. "I am aware of the privilege I have to defend these colours and I will give everything to best represent my country," he stated.

In the recent 1-1 draw against Brazil, Bouaddi showcased his skills, leading all Moroccan players with 87 touches and 60 completed passes. He demonstrated both technical ability and tenacity, winning nine duels, much to the dismay of veteran Casemiro, who was substituted at half-time after a challenging encounter with the young star.

Bouaddi's performance was hailed as a "masterclass" by Achraf Hakimi, but those familiar with him, like coach Armand Doue, noted that this high level of play is not new for him. Having made history as the youngest player to debut for Lille at just 16, Bouaddi continues to impress, even breaking records previously held by Eden Hazard.

Giroud emphasizes Bouaddi's potential, acknowledging he still has areas to improve, particularly in finishing. He describes Bouaddi as a "proper box-to-box player" and believes in his continued development as he navigates this exciting chapter in his career.