Wolves youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri believes he is still more comfortable playing as a wing-back in a five, than a left-back as a four.
The Algeria international was speaking in an interview with DZ Foot about a variety of topics when he made the admission.
Ait-Nouri has always been viewed as an attack-minded defender.
The 22-year-old has wonderful footwork and is an excellent carrier of the ball. Given this, he has often thrived operating as a wing-back.
But in recent times, he’s had to play more as a left-back.
At the start of this season, and all of last term, Wolves were playing with a back four. Algeria also play with a back four.
Despite this, £10 million man Ait-Nouri says he still much prefers to operate as a wing-back…
Rayan Ait-Nouri admits he likes playing as a wing-back more than as a full-back
Ait-Nouri was asked by DZ Foot which role he actually prefers the most, given he’s now played a lot as both a wing-back and a full-back.
In his mind, he still feels his game is more suited to playing as a wing-back. He admits his defensive qualities have been weak previously, but insists they are improving.
He said: “I try to adapt to each pattern of play. In Algeria, we play with four at the back but the coach gives me some freedom, we can attack and defend. I still feel more comfortable in a five-man defence, so I can express myself more offensively because I know I have someone behind me.
“I keep in mind that first and foremost, I am a defender. The defensive aspect was a bit of my weak point, I’ve improved a lot on it and I’m happy with that.”
Ait-Nouri brilliant as a wing-back
Arguably, Ait-Nouri is still better as a wing-back.
He enjoyed a great start to the season when Wolves were playing with a flat back four. But he definitely looks more comfortable and more effective when he is given more license to go forwards.
The youngster just has the abilities to be more useful a bit higher up.
He sometimes doesn’t choose the right option and can be guilty of ‘overdoing’ things, but the youngster gets into great positions with his dazzling footwork.
Gary O’Neil said recently that Ait-Nouri was ‘mad’, but also believes ‘the sky is the limit’ for him. Clearly, the head coach rates him quite highly.