Rayan Aït-Nouri’s Manchester City role could change under Maresca

Rayan Aït-Nouri could be handed a more attacking role at Manchester City as Enzo Maresca considers using the Algeria international as a left winger.

Aït-Nouri has had a quiet start to the season in terms of playing time, but his attacking qualities could provide him with another route into Maresca’s plans.

According to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Maresca currently views Aït-Nouri more as a left winger than as a regular option at left-back.

The report suggests the 25-year-old is not currently among the coach’s first three choices for the left-back position. His situation could therefore change if Maresca decides to make greater use of his qualities further forward.

Aït-Nouri’s attacking ability is understood to be particularly appreciated by the Italian coach. His technical quality, ability to take on defenders and accuracy when delivering passes in the final third are seen as strengths that could suit a more advanced position.

A move further up the pitch could give the Algerian a different opportunity to establish himself at Manchester City after struggling for minutes during the opening weeks of the campaign.

The defender was left on the bench for City’s first three Premier League matches as well as the Community Shield. His only appearance in an official competition this season has so far lasted 15 minutes.

That limited involvement has made Aït-Nouri’s start to the campaign a particularly quiet one. However, a change of position could now provide a possible solution.

Rather than competing solely for a place at left-back, Aït-Nouri could be asked to contribute as a winger, where his ability to beat opponents and create opportunities in the final third could become more important.

The potential change would represent a significant adjustment for the Algeria international, who has primarily been regarded as a full-back.

For Maresca, however, Aït-Nouri’s attacking profile could make him useful in another area of the team. The coach’s appreciation of his technical qualities may open the door to more opportunities despite his current position in the left-back pecking order.

Aït-Nouri will now have to wait to see whether that change becomes part of Manchester City’s plans. After making just one official appearance and playing only 15 minutes this season, a more advanced role could offer him a fresh chance to increase his involvement.

For the Algerian, the possibility of playing further forward could provide a new path into the Manchester City team as he looks to make a bigger impact on the season.