Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi, naming the Morocco international among his three breakout stars of the World Cup. The 18-year-old midfielder impressed during Morocco's run to the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by France.
Arsenal target Bouaddi praised by Conte
Bouaddi, who plays for Lille, has been tracked by Arsenal for some time as they seek midfield reinforcements. However, Manchester City are reportedly the frontrunners and are prepared to meet Lille's £100 million valuation, according to sources.
Conte, currently not managing a club after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: 'I liked Hassan, the Egyptian winger; Bouaddi, the Moroccan midfielder; and Oulai, the Ivorian midfielder.'
African trio catch Conte's eye
Bouaddi was one of three African players to have caught Conte's eye, alongside an Egyptian winger and an Ivorian midfielder. All three players represented nations that progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Italian then turned his attention to the semi-final between England and Argentina, offering analysis on two forwards he knows well: Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez.
Conte on Kane and Martinez
'Kane is a great centre forward, but he's almost an attacking midfielder,' Conte said. 'He understands the movements, knows when to drop back and play as a playmaker. He's an exceptional player with great technical ability. It was unfair that he hadn't won anything. At Bayern, he's getting the satisfaction he deserves. And who knows, maybe he'll do the same with the national team. Kane is a leader in his own way, perhaps not with words, but certainly with his play. His growth continues. And then there's his personality and charisma.'
On Martinez, Conte added: 'There's an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without him. His presence makes a huge difference. Lautaro understood that he can be important for Argentina even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation, putting their egos aside for the needs of the team: both did a great job, and Scaloni did a great job convincing them.'
Conte on England vs Argentina
Conte was reluctant to pick a winner for the semi-final but hinted that Argentina's collective spirit could prove decisive. He said: 'It's very unpredictable, the odds are even. England is very strong, they've found a great equaliser in Anderson. Argentina is a tough team, the one with the most heart among the world's national teams. Scaloni's group is solid: the coach has focused on Messi's loyal fans, who put the shirt and their love for Leo before personal ambitions. A team with remarkable human depth. An impressive synergy has been created.'
