Ounahi's World Cup magic catches Enrique's eye as City circle their next midfield prize

The Moroccan midfielder has done it again. Just when you thought Azzedine Ounahi might be yesterday's story, he produces a performance that suggests he's got plenty more chapters to write.

Luis Enrique watched with undisguised admiration as Ounahi orchestrated Morocco's commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, the City boss reportedly uttering words of pure wonderment at what unfolded before him. "Madre mia. Where did this kid come from? He can really play. He surprised me," Enrique remarked – though by now, Ounahi's tendency to deliver precisely when the stakes are highest should hardly be shocking.

For all the noise about his career trajectory, one thing remains constant: this lad knows how to perform when it matters. He shrugged off Spain's attentions in Qatar and now he's done the same to Canada, helping Morocco achieve something no African nation has managed before – reaching the last eight at consecutive World Cups.

The contest itself wasn't a walkover, mind you. Canada arrived with a clear tactical blueprint and executed it with genuine menace throughout a cagey first half. Jesse Marsch's charges pressed relentlessly, suffocating Morocco's rhythm and forcing errors. The former Leeds boss had framed it perfectly beforehand: "Like a gory, horrible nightmare," he'd said of the preparation, admitting his own reluctance to even watch Morocco play.

For stretches, that gameplan nearly paid dividends. Jonathan David and Tani Oluwayesi squandered presentable opportunities, and Morocco didn't manage a shot until the 30-minute mark. Canada, bizarrely, had twice as many attempts but lacked the precision to punish their hosts.

Then Ounahi's quality began to assert itself. Morocco's finishing, by contrast, was clinical. Achraf Hakimi's delicate free-kick routine found the bottom corner, before Brahim Diaz orchestrated a devastating counter-attack finished emphatically into the top corner. Soufiane Rahimi, filling in for injured tournament standout Ismael Saibari, added a third in stoppage time to put the matter beyond doubt.

For Canada, it was a masterclass in how to waste superiority. Eleven corners produced nothing of substance, and their set-piece execution was desperately poor. Marsch's observation about fitness and freshness proved immaterial once Morocco found their rhythm.

The Atlas Lions now await either Paraguay – fresh from their shock dismantling of Germany – or France, who halted Morocco's dream at the semi-final stage four years ago. A chance at revenge would clearly appeal.

For Ounahi personally, there's another subplot emerging. His Marseille chapter ended in disappointment; they couldn't unlock what he offered, then shifted him to Girona for a relative pittance. Now, with Girona facing La Liga relegation, City's interest has intensified. With a €20m release clause sitting in his contract and most of their midfield spending already committed to Elliot Anderson, a move to the Etihad would represent shrewd business.

Enrique's reaction suggests he's already made his mind up. Both the City manager and Canada's coaching staff can testify to what Ounahi brings when the pressure's on.