The Algerian left-back proved he could provide what Manchester City have missed since 2021
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was impressed by the performance of new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri in Sunday’s victory against Al Ain at the Club World Cup.
The Premier League side thrashed the Emirati champions 6-0 in a heavily lopsided match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta.
“Wow!” was the first thing the City boss said when asked about the Algerian left-back’s full debut. “He had to defend a back four, then make a back five. He played really, really good. Not for the first time – it was his first game [with us] but he has played in the Premier League for many years.”
The former Wolves defender slotted seamlessly into the City system, solving a left-back issue that has plagued Guardiola since Benjamin Mendy played his last game for the club in 2021. Last season, injuries forced the manager to use makeshift options like centre-back Josko Gvardiol and academy midfielder Nico O’Reilly at left-back. Both highly impressed, particularly Gvardiol, but they weren’t natural fits.
With Ait-Nouri now in the squad, Guardiola finally has a specialist on that side of the pitch.
Playing at the 71,000-seater Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ait-Nouri looked right at home. He was a constant threat down the left, racking up 92 touches – the third-highest on the pitch. His seven touches in the opposition box were second only to striker Erling Haaland.
The Algerian’s energy, positioning and ability to play between the lines will have his manager dreaming of a Premiership reconquest.
“He can help us play in that role outside but then had to play as a holding midfielder and go into the pockets,” said Guardiola.
“He moves really well into the spaces. He is intelligent and clear to defend and take the ball. He is so clever in the final third, taking the right decisions to create more spaces. Really pleased for the game he played.”
