‘The perfect fit’ – Man City target Wolves defender Ait-Nouri

Pep Guardiola’s men have positioned Rayan Ait-Nouri at the top of his list to solve his side’s problematic left-back spot.

Since Benjamin Mendy left, City have relied on a specialist left-back. In August 2021, he made his final appearance for the club.

Several players have had extended positions, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol.

At the end of last season, Nico O’Reilly, a youngster, took over the role, including Crystal Palace’ FA Cup final defeat.

Guardiola wants to address the problem this summer, but Ait-Nouri, the Wolves defender, is his choice.

The 23-year-old Algeria international has not reached an agreement yet, but sources have faith in it.

Ait-Nouri was chosen for Algeria’s friendly matches against Sweden and Rwanda on June 5 and 6.

Ait-Nouri’s goal involvements last term were higher than any other Premier League defender, demonstrating his versatility in joining attacks.

Leif Davis (61), Pedro Porro (57), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (53), along with Trent Alexander-Arnold (46), had the fewest chances to score against the former Angers man.

The only top-flight defender to complete more dribbles last term than Ait-Nouri (64) was Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

And his forward-moving, tight ball control and pace are comparable to Guardiola’s earlier strong players.

He will also be aware that Ait-Nouri has demonstrated his ability to quickly and effectively snuff out danger.

Edu Rubio, a former Wolves coach, collaborated with Ait-Nouri during the 2022-23 campaign.

He has the opportunity to fit perfectly into Pep Guardiola’s possession-based play thanks to his technical skill, ability, and ability to keep the ball close to his feet in tight areas.

He can also dribble quickly, which is what Manchester City currently needs: players who can break lines.

Since joining the Premier League, he has improved his defensive skills, and his one-on-one defending is very high. He is physically adaptable, versatile, and plays either as an inverted full-back or as a flanker in any position.

In a possession game that Pep enjoys, he needs to improve his decision-making. He can take too many touches at once and slow down the ball’s speed. Additionally, he needs to improve his final product.