Rayan Ait-Nouri made an impressive debut for Manchester City, playing the full 90 minutes in their commanding 6-0 victory over Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday night. The 24-year-old Algerian international, who recently transferred from Wolves for £33.7 million, was positioned as a left wing-back, showcasing his skills in an advanced role while benefitting from Pep Guardiola’s formation of three central defenders behind him.
Ait-Nouri quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike with his stellar performance. He displayed exceptional dribbling abilities, including a standout Cruz Turn and nutmeg play, which highlighted his flair on the ball. Fans expressed their admiration on social media, with City YouTuber Steven McInerney stating, “Ait-Nouri looks quality,” and others drawing comparisons to well-known players like Riyad Mahrez and Moussa Dembele for his movement and technique.
During the match, Ait-Nouri touched the ball 92 times and completed four dribbles, the highest on the pitch. He also made a notable defensive contribution, with three tackles, showcasing his all-around skill set. One fan noted, “Ait-Nouri is exactly what we needed; this guy glides past defenders.”
Overall, Ait-Nouri’s debut not only solidified his place in the team but also left fans optimistic about his potential contributions to Manchester City moving forward. His ability to combine offensive creativity with defensive reliability could play a crucial role as the season progresses.