Rayan Ait-Nouri looks like he could prove to be a top-class signing for Manchester City.
Ait-Nouri has already garnered praise from Pep Guardiola as he looked the part during the FIFA Club World Cup. The 24-year-old’s threat going forward being a dynamic City have missed from a left-back since Joao Cancelo.
However, Cancelo was not a natural left-back, much like some of Manchester City’s options in recent years such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabian Delph, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly.
As a result, Ait-Nouri has been lauded by Jeremy Doku as well for being a genuine threat down the left flank, as was evidenced against Juventus when he set the Belgian’s opening goal up with a stunning through ball.
Riyad Mahrez reveals he is fan of Man City star Rayan Ait-Nouri
Having witnessed Riyad Mahrez cement his reputation as one of the best players in the world at Manchester City, Rayan Ait-Nouri would be hoping to replicate his fellow Algerian.
Ait-Nouri revealed Mahrez briefed him about Manchester City being “the biggest club in the world” and an elite sporting environment where it is key for him to work as hard as possible.
Speaking to CARRÉ, Mahrez was quizzed about the next Algerian star who will entertain fans and pundits alike and he named Ait-Nouri.
“There’s some good, little players that are coming. There’s Rayan that just came to Manchester City. Pretty good.”
Mahrez’s record alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri for Algeria
Considering Mahrez holds Manchester City in high regard, he would be desperate for Ait-Nouri to become a star at the Etihad Stadium much like himself.
The pair have played 14 games in tandem for Algeria as well.
| RIYAD MAHREZ’S ALGERIA RECORD ALONGSIDE RAYAN AIT-NOURI | |
| APPEARANCES | 14 |
| WINS | 8 |
| DRAWS | 4 |
| LOSSES | 2 |
Ait-Nouri and Mahrez won eight, drew four and lost two out of the 14 games.
As a result, the former Manchester City winger must know the silky defender’s game inside and out.
