Manchester City supporters have made their feelings clear about Enzo Maresca’s midfield setup, with several fans calling for Ayyoub Bouaddi to be given a starting opportunity after fresh concerns emerged over Elliot Anderson’s demanding role.
The discussion follows a revealing report from Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan, which suggests that Anderson is being asked to perform two demanding midfield responsibilities under Maresca.
The England international is reportedly expected to operate as both a defensive midfielder (No.6) and a box-to-box midfielder (No.8). While he is selected as City’s deepest midfielder, he is also encouraged to move forward and contribute to attacking phases.
The problem, however, is what happens when Anderson leaves his defensive position.
According to the report, Manchester City currently lack a reliable midfielder to cover the spaces he leaves behind. Enzo Fernandez is frequently positioned too high and too wide to provide the necessary protection.
This tactical imbalance has become particularly noticeable during City’s difficult run of results.
The 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground exposed the problems in City’s midfield. Forest repeatedly found space through the middle, with City’s players struggling to recover when they lost possession or individual duels.
Gaughan also reports that club analysts have sat down with Anderson to review video footage and explain how he can follow Maresca’s instructions more effectively.
However, the broader question remains whether the midfielder is being asked to do too much.
The report has generated considerable discussion among Manchester City supporters, and their reactions reveal growing frustration with the current midfield structure.
Some want Maresca to change his approach. Others believe Bouaddi is the obvious solution, while several supporters are concerned that Anderson could eventually suffer physically if his workload remains excessive.
Man City supporters want Ayyoub Bouaddi to replace the current midfield setup
One of the biggest talking points from the reactions was the demand for Ayyoub Bouaddi to receive more opportunities.
The young Moroccan midfielder has attracted attention since arriving at Manchester City, with supporters increasingly convinced that he could provide the defensive balance currently missing from Maresca’s midfield.
A supporter using the account name 10 vitesses delivered a direct message:
“Bouaddi is the answer”
It was a short reaction, but it reflected one of the strongest opinions emerging from the discussion.
Another supporter, stark3000, suggested that the growing demand for Bouaddi is coming directly from the fanbase.
The supporter wrote:
“Noise coming from the fanbase want bouaadi start lol”
This highlights an important development in the debate surrounding City’s midfield.
Supporters are no longer simply discussing Anderson’s performances. They are questioning whether the current selection offers the right balance and whether Bouaddi deserves a more prominent role.
Bouaddi brings a different profile to City’s midfield options. His presence alongside Anderson could potentially allow the England international to operate with greater freedom without leaving the defensive midfield area exposed.
That possibility is particularly attractive after the problems witnessed against Nottingham Forest.
However, there are legitimate considerations.
Bouaddi is still young, and asking him to become City’s only defensive midfielder would represent a significant responsibility.
Gaughan’s analysis also suggests that the teenager may be better suited to playing alongside another midfielder rather than operating as a single pivot.
That could make an Anderson-Bouaddi partnership an interesting option for Maresca.
The manager must now decide whether the potential benefits of that combination outweigh the experience and attacking qualities offered by his existing midfield selection.
Anderson’s workload raises injury concerns among supporters
Another major theme from the reactions was concern about the amount of responsibility being placed on Anderson.
The midfielder has become an important figure in Maresca’s team, but supporters are beginning to question whether his current role is sustainable.
One fan, Adavize, expressed concern about the possibility of overworking the England international.
The supporter wrote:
“overworking him , injuries will be knocking 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️”
It is a concern worth considering.
Anderson is expected to provide defensive protection, win individual battles, progress possession and support attacking moves. These responsibilities demand considerable physical and tactical discipline.
When he moves forward, somebody must protect the space behind him.
Without that support, City risk leaving their defence exposed whenever possession is lost.
Another supporter, ZuhairZee, also expressed concern about the midfielder’s situation:
“They gonna kill my boy”
Although expressed emotionally, the reaction reflects the affection many supporters have developed for Anderson.
Since arriving at City, the midfielder has demonstrated his ability to contribute in different areas of the pitch.
His energy, passing ability and willingness to cover ground make him valuable to Maresca.
However, there is a difference between being a versatile midfielder and being expected to perform almost every midfield responsibility simultaneously.
City cannot afford to overlook the physical demands of that approach.
The club’s analysts reviewing footage with Anderson could help him understand his positioning and decision-making. Nevertheless, tactical adjustments may also be necessary to prevent him from becoming isolated.
The manager must consider whether better positioning from his teammates could reduce the pressure on Anderson.
‘One man midfield’: Fans identify City’s biggest tactical problem
Perhaps the most interesting reaction came from a supporter who summarised City’s midfield problem in just three words.
Kijambiya wrote:
“One man midfield”
That description captures the central concern raised by Gaughan’s report.
Anderson is effectively being asked to control the defensive midfield area while also contributing further forward.
When Fernandez occupies advanced positions, the responsibility for protecting the middle of the pitch becomes even greater.
The result can be a midfield that looks dangerous going forward but struggles to defend transitions.
This was particularly evident against Nottingham Forest.
City struggled to prevent opponents from progressing through central areas, and the spaces between midfield and defence became difficult to control.
It is not necessarily a question of individual quality.
Anderson, Fernandez and Bouaddi all have different strengths. The challenge is finding a combination that allows those strengths to complement each other.
A successful midfield requires more than talented individuals.
It needs clear responsibilities, positional discipline and sufficient protection when players move forward.
Maresca’s current arrangement has not consistently delivered those qualities.
Supporters are therefore demanding a tactical solution rather than another explanation of why individual players must improve.
Maresca faces growing pressure to change his approach
The criticism was not limited to the midfield players.
Several supporters directed their frustration towards Maresca, with some questioning his tactical decisions and calling for changes.
One supporter, Mamvemve, wrote:
“Chase this clueless manager”
Another fan, using the account name FzDkCity, posted:
“SACK MARESCA”
A separate supporter, Only__Nation, questioned the manager’s decisions:
“How can a manager be that stupid ?”
These reactions demonstrate the frustration building around City’s recent performances.
Three consecutive Premier League defeats have made the situation increasingly uncomfortable for Maresca.
For a club with Manchester City’s ambitions, such a run inevitably attracts scrutiny.
However, the more constructive question is whether the manager can identify the tactical problems and correct them.
The report suggests that Anderson’s responsibilities have been discussed internally, with analysts helping him understand how to execute the instructions more effectively.
That is an important detail.
It indicates that the club recognises the need to improve the midfielder’s positioning and his contribution to the team’s overall structure.
But supporters will want to see changes on the pitch.
If Anderson continues to be left without adequate protection, the same problems could reappear regardless of how much video analysis takes place.
Maresca must therefore consider whether the solution involves changing individual roles, introducing another defensive midfielder or adjusting the team’s overall formation.
Questions emerge over Ayyoub Bouaddi’s future at Manchester City
Bouaddi’s situation also attracted attention, with some supporters questioning why the young midfielder is not receiving more opportunities.
One fan, Shivansh Chhabra, raised a worrying possibility with the following reaction:
“Injury incoming + Ayyoub departure”
While there is no confirmed indication that Bouaddi is preparing to leave Manchester City, the comment reflects concerns about his development and involvement.
Young players need opportunities to establish themselves, particularly when they are considered important parts of a club’s long-term plans.
If Bouaddi continues to struggle for meaningful minutes, questions about his role could become louder.
Manchester City invested in the midfielder because of his potential and ability to develop into an important player.
However, his development must be managed carefully.
Maresca cannot simply introduce an inexperienced midfielder into every difficult situation without considering the physical and tactical demands of Premier League football.
At the same time, keeping him on the sidelines will not help him develop into the player City hope he can become.
The coming weeks could therefore be important for Bouaddi.
With Anderson carrying such a demanding workload, the teenager could have an opportunity to demonstrate why supporters are calling for his inclusion.
Some supporters remain hopeful despite City’s difficult situation
Not every reaction was focused on criticism.
Some Manchester City supporters recognised the problems but remained optimistic that the team could recover.
Mopao Heuvel offered a more positive message:
“Really hopw we can recover and get back to winning”
That reaction provides a useful reminder that supporters ultimately want to see the team return to winning football.
The frustration is understandable, particularly after the investment made in rebuilding the midfield.
City spent heavily to refresh their engine room, bringing in Anderson, Fernandez and Bouaddi as part of a major squad overhaul.
The expectation was that these additions would provide more energy, creativity and defensive stability.
Instead, Maresca is still searching for the right combination.
The defeat against Nottingham Forest has made that challenge even more obvious.
City have demonstrated that they can produce exciting attacking football. However, their defensive transitions and midfield protection remain significant concerns.
The international break now gives Maresca an opportunity to review the performances, assess his options and consider potential adjustments.
The upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Arsenal will provide further tests of whether those changes can improve the team’s balance.
What should Maresca do with Elliot Anderson?
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Anderson is about getting the best out of one of Manchester City’s most important midfielders.
His versatility should be an advantage, not a reason to overload him with responsibilities.
Maresca has several possible solutions.
He could introduce Bouaddi alongside Anderson, giving the England international additional protection while allowing the teenager to develop in a more controlled role.
Alternatively, Fernandez could be moved into a deeper position to provide better defensive support.
Another possibility is adjusting the midfield structure so that Anderson is not constantly expected to move between defensive and attacking responsibilities.
Whatever solution Maresca chooses, something needs to change.
The current arrangement has left City vulnerable in central areas, and opponents are beginning to exploit those weaknesses.
Supporters have identified Bouaddi as a possible answer, while others are concerned that Anderson’s workload could eventually become a problem.
The manager now faces an important decision.
Should Enzo Maresca start Ayyoub Bouaddi alongside Elliot Anderson to solve Manchester City’s midfield problems, or should Enzo Fernandez be moved deeper to provide the necessary defensive cover?
