Rayan Aït-Nouri marked his long-awaited debut for Manchester City with a commanding performance in a 4-0 win over Al Ain in their second match of the Club World Cup.
Initially tipped to feature in City’s opening fixture against Wydad Casablanca, the Algerian international had to wait until the second round to make his first appearance for the reigning European champions.
When the opportunity arrived, Aït-Nouri seized it with a display that combined defensive stability, attacking flair, and technical finesse—earning praise from teammates, fans, and manager Pep Guardiola alike.
Deployed at left-back in a four-man defensive unit alongside Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, and Alibek Khusanov, the 23-year-old demonstrated why the Premier League giants secured his services.
Throughout the 90 minutes, Aït-Nouri was a constant presence down the left flank, balancing his defensive duties with surging forward runs that unsettled the Al Ain backline.
Statistically, his impact was undeniable. He won seven ground duels, made three crucial interceptions, and recorded an exceptional pass completion rate of 95%, completing 56 of his 59 passes.
His six attempted crosses frequently threatened the Emirati defence, with one nearly resulting in an assist. Additionally, he succeeded in four out of six dribbles, showcasing his one-on-one ability and composure under pressure.
Aït-Nouri’s overall performance earned him a SofaScore rating of 7.4, placing him among the top performers of the match. Only Ilkay Gündogan—who scored twice—alongside Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva, ranked higher on the night.
Guardiola, speaking after the match, described the defender’s debut as “very satisfying,” signalling confidence in the player’s potential to become a regular fixture in the squad.
“This was a very good first step,” Guardiola said. “Rayan showed maturity, discipline, and creativity. I’m happy with how he adapted to our structure and contributed both defensively and in attack.”
Manchester City’s dominant win not only secured their first clean sheet of the tournament but also guaranteed them progression to the round of 16 with one match to spare.
Their final group fixture, against Italian powerhouse Juventus on Thursday, is expected to be a more significant test. However, the early qualification gives Guardiola room to rotate his squad and further integrate players like Aït-Nouri.
For Aït-Nouri, the tournament is shaping up to be more than just a chance to make an impression—it’s becoming a defining chapter early in his Manchester City career.
The former Angers youth product has long been regarded as one of Algeria’s brightest prospects. Now, under the guidance of one of world football’s most meticulous managers, he seems poised to take his game to new heights.
City fans, meanwhile, will be heartened by the depth and quality on display as they look to add another international trophy to their growing collection. Aït-Nouri’s performance serves not only as a personal milestone but also as a sign that City’s investment in young, technically gifted players continues to pay dividends.
With Juventus on the horizon and knockout stages approaching, all eyes will be on whether the Algerian can maintain his momentum and secure a lasting role in Manchester City’s high-powered lineup.
Rayan Ait-Nouri VS Al Ain.
La première à Manchester City ! 🩵🇩🇿
FIFA Club World Cup. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/UY84AI4ECV
— 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗨. 🔍🇩🇿 (@CompsMercu) June 23, 2025
