The international break is a perfect time to reflect on the season so far, and Gary O’Neil has been impressed by one Wolves star who can ‘play anywhere’.
Wolves will enter this break from club football feeling better than they did last time, after securing a 2-0 victory over Southampton to move off the bottom of the Premier League.
While the Wolves fans are still unconvinced by Gary O’Neil, their admiration for some of the talent at Molineux is emphatic.
Matheus Cunha has been dubbed as too good for Wolves by Troy Deeney, whereas centre-back Toti Gomes has ‘gone under the radar’ with his performances of late.
Cunha and Toti were both instrumental against the Saints, and they aren’t the only players who have received brilliant praise.
Gary O’Neil showers Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri with praise
Rayan Ait-Nouri is another talent who has impressed for Wolves this term, continuing his influence as an attacking force down the left flank.
Recently returning to his role as a left wing-back, the Algerian has scored three and assisted twice in 11 appearances, becoming one of the best attacking defenders in the division.
Despite his incredible talent, journalist Liam Keen has already urged Ait-Nouri to cut one frustrating habit out of his game, as he often gives the ball away.
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Meanwhile, O’Neil has also picked up on a similar criticism for the 23-year-old while hailing his ability to play ‘anywhere on the pitch’.
“He can play anywhere on the pitch with the quality that he has and we’re working with him at the moment on his decision-making because he’s unbelievably brave,” O’Neil said via E&S.
“He takes the ball in some tight areas and he tries his best to look after it. Sometimes he slows the game down a bit which we’ve spoken to him about, trying to make the right call when we’re out and when we need to go to the goal fast and when we’re not and then you can take your time and we can rebuild.
“We’re helping him with those moments and he’s still a young lad. I know he’s played a lot of games for Wolves and he’s extremely talented, but there’s still a lot of learning that he needs to do in his understanding of the game.”
Ait-Nouri showed immense versatility for Wolves last season, as during their injury crisis, he slotted in as a winger, attacking midfielder and even striker.
Wolves could make a significant amount on Ait-Nouri
Wolves captured Ait-Nouri from Angers for £10 million in the summer of 2021, and the Algerian international shows what success the club have had in the transfer window.
Since rising to stardom at Molineux, like other players have left the club, it is no surprise to see the wing-back attract significant interest from elsewhere.
Liverpool and Chelsea have shown major transfer interest in Ait-Nouri and could look to sign him as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.
Wolves are unlikely to entertain any offers below £60 million for their incredible talent, and that will mean any deal agreed will see the club profit immensely.