Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for one of the Wydad Athletic Club players after their 2-0 win over the Botola Pro giants.
City secured an opening win in the FIFA Club World Cup with Phil Foden and Jeremie Doku finding the net, while Thembinkosi Lorch earned widespread plaudits for his dazzling display.
However, Guardiola was left impressed by goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who showed his technical ability to play the ball out from defence in challenging conditions in Pennsylvania on Wednesday afternoon.
“First of all the keeper has incredible delivery in the three quarter positions, so they defend five in the back, 5-4-1, which I didn’t expect because they always play four at the back but when we allowed them to play that had good quality,” Guardiola said.
“We had our moments, many chances, clear ones, they had one or two chances, so in general, with the conditions I give credit to both teams, some times we demand more aggression, more movement but it’s not easy with this weather but yeah first three points.
“It’s important so now there’s the second one, win the next one and be qualified, then we see if we can be first or second [in the group], we need to improve things, which is normal with all these players.”
City return to action for the second game against United Arab Emirates side Al Ain, who were thrashed 5-0 by Juventus yesterday evening.
