The transfers of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille to Manchester City for 100 million euros (£85.6m, $117m) and France winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool for a total of 145 million euros (£124m, $167m) captured many headlines.

The 18-year-old rising star was one of the stand-out players at the recent World Cup, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals before they were beaten by France.

Manchester City have agreed to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £86 million ($117 million), according to reports on Sunday.

Manchester City have identified Ayyoub Bouaddi as their leading option to replace Rodri, with the club in advanced talks with Lille over a move for the highly rated Morocco midfielder, according to the BBC.

Mbappe may command the cameras, but the tactical blueprint of this quarterfinal will be drawn in the dirt by Olise and Bouaddi.

Traditionally, African nations have been among the most underrated sides in the FIFA World Cup. Although no African nation has ever won the tournament or reached the final in any of its previous 22 editions, their steady rise on the global football stage has gradually changed perceptions about their prospects in the sport’s biggest event.

From established names finally experiencing football's biggest stage to young talents announcing themselves to the world, several first-time World Cup participants have already played decisive roles for their countries.

When the announcement of the player of the match came, a few eyebrows were raised. Many felt the award should have gone to Morocco's 18-year-old midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi instead of Brazil's Vinicius Junior after a pulsating 1-1 draw in New Jersey on Sunday.