Rayan Ait-Nouri endured a frustrating first season at Manchester City. He was restricted to 28 appearances in all competitions. An ankle injury suffered early in the 2025-26 season hampered Ait-Nouri’s bid to acclimatise himself to life at City. He also took part in the African Cup of Nations with Algeria which cost him the opportunity to make a bigger impact for Pep Guardiola’s side. Recently, Ait-Nouri has spoken of his frustration on how his first season at Manchester City unfolded. However, based on how Enzo Maresca uses his full-backs, the opportunity is there for Ait-Nouri to bounce back this upcoming season.
Rayan Ait-Nouri wants to show more of what he can for Manchester City this season.
In a recent interview with Simon Bajkowski for the Manchester Evening News, Rayan Ait-Nouri shared his view that he could have given more for his team last season. Speaking on how his first season at Manchester City unfolded, the Algerian left-back said: “I was not very happy because I can give more. It was tough because in the beginning I was injured and after I tried to come back and I tried to give everything for this team and for this shirt.“
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“The most important is the team. Last year we won two cups and it was also a very good experience and we trained with this coach. It was amazing for me and for the team and I’m very happy to be part of this team.“
Also, Rayan Ait-Nouri said how happy he was to be playing under Enzo Maresca. Ait-Nouri also revealed that he is extremely happy to be at Manchester City. The Algerian international added: “The training sessions look very good, I really enjoy to train with this manager and we will see what happens. I’m very happy to be here. I’m very confident, I want to show everyone what I can do on the pitch. I showed before, I will show this season I hope and I’m very, very excited to start the season and to be here. I’m very happy.“
Enzo Maresca’s system may suit Ait-Nouri’s style of play but competition will be fierce for the left-back role.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has the technical ability to be a very strong contributor for Enzo Maresca and his team. Ait-Nouri’s defensive work is solid enough for him to play an important role for Manchester City. Also, in Manchester City’s recent friendly against Inter Milan, you could see how Maresca uses his full-backs to suit Rayan Ait-Nouri. Maresca likes his full-backs to invert into midfield. Rayan Ait-Nouri has the necessary technical and tactical ability to fulfil this role. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s ability in possession is elite, and it does make him a viable option for Enzo Maresca.
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However, competition for the left-back spot in the Manchester City squad is fierce. Nico O’Reilly is Manchester City’s first-choice for the position based on how last season unfolded. Josko Gvardiol is another viable option for Enzo Maresca at left-back. It isn’t a stretch to say that both players are ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri at this stage. But if Nico O’Reilly moves into midfield and Josko Gvardiol is preferred at centre-back, it may open an opportunity up for Ait-Nouri.
If that opportunity does come along, Rayan Ait-Nouri is determined to take it. The Algerian international is eager to show more this season than he did in his debut campaign at Manchester City. The opportunity may be there for Ait-Nouri to do so especially given the change of system that Maresca will implement which could give Ait-Nouri the chance he is seeking.
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