Antonio Conte has been keeping a close eye on the World Cup (Picture: Getty)
Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi and selected him among his three breakout World Cup stars.
The Morocco international impressed during his side’s run to the quarter-finals before they were eventually eliminated by France.
Even before starring for his nation, the teenager had been earmarked for a move to the Premier League following a sensational campaign for Lille.
Arsenal, who are in the market for midfield reinforcements, have been tracking the 18-year-old for some time, but it appears Manchester City are the current frontrunners and are prepared to meet the Ligue 1 club’s £100million valuation.
Exclusive build-up to England v Argentina
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Bouaddi was one of three African players to have caught Conte’s eye along with two members of the Ivory Coast and Egypt teams that progressed to the knockout stages.
‘I liked Hassan, the Egyptian winger; Bouaddi, the Moroccan midfielder; and Oulai , the Ivorian midfielder, Conte, who is currently not managing a club after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian then turned his attention to tonight’s semi-final between England and Argentina and two forwards, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez, who he knows well from his spells in charge of Tottenham and Inter.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has starred at the World Cup for Morocco (Picture: Getty)
He said: ‘Kane is a great centre forward, but he’s almost an attacking midfielder. 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.
‘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.
Christ Inao Oulai enhanced his reputation at the World Cup playing for Ivory Coast (Picture: Getty)
‘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 was reluctant to pick a winner of tonight’s showdown, meanwhile, but hinted that Argentina’s collective spirit could prove decisive.
He added: ‘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.’
