The first glimpse of Manchester City’s new left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri, against Al Ain was full of promise. Ait-Nouri made his debut for Manchester City during their 6-nil FIFA Club World Cup Group G win over the Emirati side. Rayan Ait-Nouri put in an impressive display for Pep Guardiola’s side. His ability to get forward and be a threat was on full display, and it looms as a potent weapon in Manchester City’s arsenal next season.
Now, in a new interview, the Algerian international has spoken about what Pep Guardiola has asked of him as a player. Rayan Ait-Nouri figures to be a prominent component of Manchester City’s attacking play based on what Pep Guardiola has asked of him as a player.
Manchester City’s new left-back has revealed that Pep Guardiola wants him to play with freedom.
In an interview with John Cross published in the Mirror, Rayan Ait-Nouri revealed that Pep Guardiola has asked him to play without pressure. The Algerian international explained: “He has told me to play my game without pressure. You know, drive with the ball, cross also in the box. I try to respect the advice he gives me. Hopefully, we’ll be good for the next few stages.”
Ait-Nouri added that the possibility of playing under Pep Guardiola was part of the attraction of signing for Manchester City. Rayan Ait-Nouri is hoping to win trophies and improve as a player under Guardiola. He explained: “It’s a big honour. I can improve a lot with him. We saw in the last few years he made a lot of things. He wins every time with this team. He’s the best manager, but I’m very happy to work with him. For sure I will improve my football.”
The potential of Rayan Ait-Nouri linking up with Manchester City’s attacking players is a tantalising one.
In Rayan Ait-Nouri, Manchester City have signed an attacking left-back who will add a new dimension to their attacking play. The Algerian international is blessed with tremendous technical ability which was on full display against Al Ain. But where Ait-Nouri should thrive is his combination play with Manchester City’s attacking players. The Algerian international is a superb dribbler and his ability to pick out a pass should mesh well his City teammates.
In theory, Rayan Ait-Nouri playing as an overlapping left-back should give Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush more space to work with on the left wing. Often, especially in the case of Jeremy Doku, Manchester City’s wingers are double-marked. But with the addition of Ait-Nouri Manchester City’s opponents won’t have the luxury of employing that tactic. If Ait-Nouri is given space he could be lethal. So the option to double-mark Doku or Marmoush may be gone. That is just one Manchester City’s gains with the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The possibility of Erling Haaland and Rayan Ait-Nouri combining is also a tantalising prospect. Haaland needs service to thrive and Ait-Nouri has the skillset to provide the service that Haaland requires. Their potential link-up could be devastating once they gel from playing together regularly.
Playing with no pressure should bring out the best in Rayan Ait-Nouri at Manchester City. Manchester City’s new left-back is a quality player on the ball and he should blossom playing under Pep Guardiola and by playing with Manchester City’s vast array of attacking talent.
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