Wolves’ demoralising 6-2 defeat to Chelsea couldn’t have gone much worse for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Last season was decisive to Ait-Nouri’s career at Molineux, where the left-back’s talent shone thanks to the backing of Gary O’Neil.
The Algerian’s future at Wolves looked in doubt as he was exiled by Julen Lopetegui, with the new manager’s arrival coming at the perfect time.
For the first time in a long while, Ait-Nouri received heavy criticism for his display in Old Gold, as the defender was bullied by Chelsea.
Gary O’Neil warned of Rayan Ait-Nouri dilemma after Chelsea defeat
Ait-Nouri quickly went from hero to zero on Sunday at Molineux, showing his worth when he set up Matheus Cunha’s goal in the first half.
After that, the Algerian’s afternoon became that of a nightmare, as he was dragged around by Chelsea and mainly Noni Madueke, who scored a hattrick in the second half.
When analysing the performance, journalist Liam Keen was unable to ignore the disaster that unfolded for Ait-Nouri, prompting the Wolves expert to question his position in O’Neil’s squad, via the E&S Wolves Podcast.
“It wasn’t the shape that was at fault for most of the goals, it was more Ait-Nouri’s failure to perform,” Keen explained.
“That does bring you back to the question of, is he a left-back? His attributes are clearly better suited to going forward.
“If you move Ait-Nouri further forward and play somebody else at left-back, does that solve some of the issues? It possibly does.”
Wolves must continue to get the best out of Ait-Nouri
If there was any doubt over what role best suits the Algerian, Sunday’s game made it abundantly clear.
Last season, O’Neil got the very best out of the £10k-a-week Wolves ace by fielding a back five, which allowed the 23-year-old to venture forward.
There are very few better than Ait-Nouri in the Premier League at the left-wing-back role, giving the manager something to think about with regard to his future position.
- READ MORE: Wolves player ratings for 2023/24 season, Ait-Nouri and Lemina shine but there’s one 2/10
Being exposed by Chelsea in the manner that he did is perhaps what the boss needed to consider either reverting to a back five or, utilising the Alergia international further forward on the wing.
Defensively, Ait-Nouri was calamitous against the Blues but going forward, his assist proved how deadly he can be in Wolves’ attack, making O’Neil’s next job clearer than ever.
The issue is that if the manager decides to push the Crystal Palace-linked ace forward, who replaces him at left back, particularly now that Hugo Bueno has been loaned to Feyenoord.
It’s a predicament that O’Neil has to address, with it absolutely pivotal that Wolves continue to get the best out of Ait-Nouri, who could make the club millions in the near future.