Rayan Aït-Nouri

Ait-Nouri is viewed primarily as a winger rather than a left-back at Manchester City this season, according to coach Enzo Maresca, per Manchester Evening News. "When he was at Wolves it was a back five, so more of a wing back. I see him more as a winger than a full back but it doesn't mean in the future that if we need him as a full back we are not going to use him."

Analysis: Ait-Nouri appears set to compete primarily for minutes further forward after being overlooked at left-back this season. He made his first appearance of the campaign off the bench against Porto, playing ahead of Abdukodir Khusanov and providing an assist for Erling Haaland, but was subsequently left out of the squad for Sunday's clash against Manchester United. Josko Gvardiol has started all four league matches at left-back, while Nico O'Reilly, Khusanov and Kaden Braithwaite provide additional defensive options, leaving Ait-Nouri facing significant competition for playing time.

Jul 3, 2026

World Cup exit after 2-0 loss

Ait-Nouri had one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 loss against Switzerland.

Analysis: Ait-Nouri had a busy game defensively, but he was unable to prevent Switzerland from defeating them 2-0. He won five of his six tackles, made three interceptions and three clearances. He did concede two fouls in the game and conceded six fouls across the four matches. Despite being an attacking full-back, he only created his first chance of the tournament in this game.