The first glimpse of Manchester City with a proper left-back was full of promise | OneFootball

Manchester City completed the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer. With the addition of the Algerian international to Pep Guardiola’s squad, Guardiola finally has a proper left-back in his squad. In Ait-Nouri, Manchester City have a left-back who is adept at getting forward and who is also extremely gifted technically.

Rayan Ait-Nouri made his Manchester City debut during City’s 6-nil win over Al Ain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. His debut in the FIFA Club World Cup Group G fixture was full of promise and showed that Pep Guardiola has a new weapon at his disposal.

Rayan Ait-Nouri made a strong start to his Manchester City career.

Ait-Nouri started at left-back against Al Ain. Without being disrespectful to the Emirati side there was an obvious and clear gulf in quality between the two teams. That was to be expected. But what the game represented was an opportunity for Rayan Ait-Nouri to show what he’ll add to the Manchester City squad in the final third and in possession. The Algerian international took that opportunity and made an impressive start to his City career.

The dribbling ability of Rayan Ait-Nouri was on full display against Al Ain. There were several occasions at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the Algerian international left the Al Ain defenders in a daze. Rayan Ait-Nouri has that in his kit bag. For a left-back, he is one of the more technically gifted players in the position. His passing was neat and it did slot into Manchester City’s style of play. As the game progressed his delivery into the final third was dangerous. Come the final whistle, there was a sense that when Ait-Nouri and his teammates get on the same page in the final, Ait-Nouri’s dribbling, passing and crossing ability could become a profitable avenue to goal for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the performance of Rayan Ait-Nouri in his City debut.

Speaking after his team’s win over Al Ain, Pep Guardiola praised the performance of Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Manchester City manager believed that Ait-Nouri showed his versatility and quality against Al Ain. When asked about Rayan Ait-Nouri’s Manchester City debut, Guardiola said: “Wow, he played very good because we had to defend a back four and then a back five, he had to arrive in the end.”

“At the end he played really good. It’s his first game but he’s played in the Premier League for many years.”

“He can help us play in that important role, then he went holding midfield in the pockets, he moves really well in small spaces.”

“He’s intelligent and clear to defend and take the ball, and especially in the final third, he’s so clever as well.”

Rayan Ait-Nouri made an impressive start to his Manchester City career against Al Ain. The Algerian international showed exactly what he’ll add to Pep Guardiola’s squad, especially in the final third. There will be tougher tests for Ait-Nouri to pass as a City player. The first test for Ait-Nouri as a Manchester City player may come against Juventus in City’s final Group G fixture in a few days time. But based on what he showed at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Ait Nouri is ready for that test and is also primed to be a strong attacking weapon for Pep Guardiola’s side.