Rayan Ait-Nouri is continuing to impress so far this season as Wolves take the Premier League by storm.
Despite only coming in at the start of the season, Gary O’Neil has managed to quickly steady the ship at Molineux.
Recent performances against Man City and Spurs have shown real promise in what the manager is trying to achieve.
Many players have also seen their careers at Wolves revived such as Ait-Nouri.
The Algerian was almost sold in the summer but has now become one of the club’s most in-form players this season.
In this article we examine and analyse how the full-back has improved his game over the last few months.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is proving doubters wrong
Since the start of his Wolves career, many fans have doubted his ability to defend.
While his attacking side has always been excellent, a full-back has to be able to do both.
This has meant Ait-Nouri has never been able to lock down a place in the starting XI throughout his time in the Midlands.
However, recently, the 22-year-old has hit a real purple patch under O’Neil.
Defensively, no one has been better for Wolves in his last five games according to Fbref.
In the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, the Algerian was on fire.
The full-back made six tackles as well as four interceptions, the most in the game for either side.
Ait-Nouri also made three clearances in the tie, the second-most for the hosts.
Even in the games that Wolves haven’t played well, the full-back has still excelled in defence.
Against Sheffield United, Ait-Nouri made the most tackles and interceptions again for Wolves despite them going on to lose 2-1.
This ability to lock down the left flank has left O’Neil’s side far less vulnerable. It has also allowed the wingers more freedom to push forward and look for a goal.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s attacking play continues to excel
Despite clearly working on his defensive play, this has not hindered the Algerian international’s attacking prowess.
His skill in the final third has still been on full display as he has dominated the left flank.
In Wolves’ 2-1 win over Bournemouth, the 22-year-old had the highest pass completion of any starter at 91.4%, while also having the most progressive passes in the game.
This has allowed him to create multiple chances for O’Neil’s side. Against the Cherries, Ait-Nouri had the highest shot-creating actions at six.
In Wolves’ last game against Spurs, the Algerian was equally impressive.
In the 2-1 win, Ait-Nouri created the most xAG at 0.4 as well as produced the most shot-creating actions at nine – four more than any other player.
His ability to beat a man was also highly impressive with the 22-year-old completing the most take-ons in the game at five.
His form is clearly impressing the manager who has been full of praise for the full-//back in recent weeks.
After the Newcastle game, O’Neil said: “Love Rayan. He’s mad, firstly, and you can see he’s mad in the way he plays. We’re trying to take some of that out of him. First job was trying to get him through 90 minutes. We’ve improved his fitness levels.
“But he’s one you can improve. I don’t think he’s done too much work in understanding the tactical side of the game. He’s a great one to work with. He’s fully committed to everything. There’s a lot of room for improvement with the raw talent he has, if we can just harness it a little bit.
“If we can give him a little bit of understanding and calm down some of the craziness, the sky’s the limit for Rayan.”
Wolves must keep hold of Rayan Ait-Nouri
His form has clearly generated some interest over recent weeks.
Chelsea have now turned their attention to the 22-year-old after previously tracking him earlier this year.
If Wolves want to stay competitive in the Premier League then they must keep hold of their prize players.
Ait-Nouri could easily go on to become one of the best full-backs in the league.
However, if he is to reach this potential he must ensure that he continues this run of form.
Another good performance away to Fulham on Monday night would certainly help certify a consistent place in the starting XI.