A returning left-back for Manchester City looks to have rediscovered his touch | OneFootball

Rayan Ait-Nouri has had an interrupted first season at Manchester City. The left-back has only made nine appearances in all competitions so far this season for Pep Guardiola’s side. Injury and his participation at AFCON for Algeria have conspired against Ait-Nouri this season, as has the rise of Nico O’Reilly at left-back. Ait-Nouri has now returned to City after his AFCON commitments, and judging by his cameo performance in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Newcastle on Tuesday night he looks to be in form and ready to make a contribution for his team.

Rayan Ait-Nouri showed a glimpse of his quality at St. James’ Park.

Pep Guardiola brought on Rayan Ait-Nouri to replace Nathan Ake in the 88th minute of Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The Algerian international had only returned to City following his AFCON duties the day before the match. What stood out in the brief time that Ait-Nouri was on the pitch was that Ait-Nouri looked sharp after playing for Algeria. His touch was there, and Ait-Nouri looked determined to make an impact against Eddie Howe’s side. He did just that in the game’s closing stages.

Rayan Ait-Nouri combined superbly with Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki to set up Manchester City’s crucial second goal at St. James’ Park. His one-two with Cherki and the ball to pick out Cherki to seal a crucial win for Pep Guardiola’s side was brilliant. Ait-Nouri covered the pitch well, and he looks to have returned from AFCON fit and ready to make an impact for Pep Guardiola’s side.

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Manchester City are going to need Rayan Ait-Nouri to contribute across the remainder of this season.

Nico O’Reilly has been superb at left-back for Manchester City this season. Recently though, O’Reilly has looked tired and in need of a rest. Nathan Ake has stepped in at left-back to facilitate this, but Ake is seemingly playing through injury. Pep Guardiola’s side needs Rayan Ait-Nouri to play a role for his team. The Algerian international is one of the better attacking left-backs in the Premier League when fit. He showed that during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. We haven’t yet seen it at City. But his team will need him across the second half of this season, and judging by his impact at St. James’ Park, Ait-Nouri looks ready to step up for his team.

The possibility that playing at AFCON could help Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush was always in play. The pair have spent this season on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s squad. In Rayan Ait-Nouri’s case, he looks sharp and ready to help his team’s cause at a crucial stage of the season. That could be vital to Pep Guardiola’s side as they chase honors on multiple fronts this season..