Rayan Ait-Nouri was a name spoken about by Wolves fans after the Old Gold’s victory at Portman Road.
Wolves are almost mathematically safe from relegation following the three points collected against Ipswich.
Vitor Pereira watched from the stands as his side beat Ipswich 2-1 on the road, claiming a late win to hand Kieran McKenna and his players a blow.
It was an afternoon of drama in the bottom-of-the-table clash, seeing Pablo Sarabia earn high praise and other players, not so much.
- READ MORE: Five things we learned after Wolves beat Ipswich: Matheus Cunha, who? Jose Sa conundrum, and more
Wolves fans unimpressed by Rayan Ait-Nouri vs Ipswich
Rayan Ait-Nouri has been questioned by Wolves fans throughout the season, and criticism of the Algerian didn’t end at Portman Road.
“How long till we have a serious conversation about Rayan Ait-Nouri?” A fan asked, with their question answered by another supporter.
“Personally I’d sell if an offer came in,” they said, reacting to the left-back’s defensive weakness in the build-up to Liam Delap’s goal.
Others jumped on the criticism of Ait-Nouri, with one fan desperate to see the fullback subbed at half-time.
“Ait-Nouri man. God I hope we see Gomes in his place 2nd half.”
The Algeria international’s quality has never been argued, but his consistency has, particularly when it comes to his defensive duties, leading one fan to comment on why the player is somewhat undervalued.
“Once again, Ait-Nouri proves he will never be as good as people say.”
Ait-Nouri was actually Wolves’ most influential player vs Ipswich
It’s understandable criticism to a degree, as when acting as a left-wing back, it’s non-negotiable that Ait-Nouri adheres to defensive demands.
The way that Ait-Nouri plays actually impacts those around him, as cover is needed in the space behind him; however, what the 23-year-old does on his ventures is overlooked.
Ait-Nouri was one of Wolves’ highest-rated players against Ipswich, being crucial going forward and particularly when it came to creative positive passages of play.
The defender’s heatmap shows that he was glued to the touchline on the left side for the majority of the contest, also floating infield at times.
It’s common knowledge that Ait-Nouri flourishes going forward but not so much when going back, a trait that frustrates fans.
Against Ipswich, the Algerian was criticised for just that, but how much critique the player actually warranted is a different story when studying his performance.