Manchester City's players have clocked more World Cup minutes than any other Premier League side – 5,027 in total – as the club prepares for a new era under Enzo Maresca with an £85m pursuit of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Rodri alone has played 537 minutes for Spain, while Marc Guehi (483), Nico O'Reilly (454) and new signing Elliot Anderson (533) have all been heavily involved. Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest in a £116m deal this summer, but City's spending has not stopped there. They are now ready to make Bouaddi a central figure in Maresca's first-team plans immediately, according to reports.
“Manchester City's squad logged 5,027 World Cup minutes, the most in the Premier League, as they pursue £85m midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.”
The 18-year-old started all but one of Morocco's six World Cup games, helping them reach the quarter-finals before losing to France. At 6ft 1in, City have no qualms about his ability to handle the Premier League's physical demands. Director of football Hugo Viana is a huge admirer of Bouaddi's 'technical ability and positional sense'.
Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest, but City's willingness to integrate the teenager straight into the senior squad could give them an edge. Lille are demanding around €100m (£85m) for the player, who made his senior debut just after turning 16.
City's World Cup workload is the highest in the league, with Arsenal second on 4,285 minutes. Injuries have mounted during the tournament: Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Belgium's 4-1 win over the USA; Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte picked up a knee problem with Uruguay; and Jordan Henderson broke his arm celebrating England's win over Mexico but stayed with the squad. Andy Robertson was forced off against Brazil with a suspected right ankle injury and was seen with ice strapped around it. "Personally, time will tell," Robertson told the BBC.
Seven of Arsenal's squad could play up to 65 matches this season, including eight at the World Cup. City and Chelsea have players who have competed in three consecutive summer tournaments. With the World Cup ending on Sunday and the Premier League starting just 33 days later, the burden is clear – and so is City's determination to strengthen for the challenges ahead.