Rayan Ait-Nouri gives Brahim Hemdani timely Algeria boost with Manchester City impact

Rayan Ait-Nouri made an immediate contribution on his return to competitive action, setting up Erling Haaland in Manchester City’s 2-0 Champions League victory over FC Porto on Tuesday.

The Algeria international had been an unused substitute in each of City’s first three Premier League matches of the season, but was introduced in the 75th minute at the Estadio do Dragao in place of Phil Foden.

Ait-Nouri was deployed as the left wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 formation adopted by Enzo Maresca during the closing stages. His arrival brought City greater energy, technical quality and attacking depth at a point when they had been short of penetration.

The 25-year-old almost made an instant impact when he created an opening shortly after coming on. He then went close again with a shot that narrowly missed the target.

His most important contribution came in stoppage time, when he accelerated into space before delivering a precise cutback for Haaland to complete the victory. The assist ensured Ait-Nouri made the maximum impact during his brief spell on the pitch.

His performance was recognised by the British media. City Xtra awarded him a rating of 6.5, while FotMob gave him 7.3.

The display represented a sharp change from a frustrating beginning to the campaign. Ait-Nouri had found himself behind Josko Gvardiol in the pecking order and had not played a single minute during City’s opening three league wins.

His lack of opportunities had already attracted attention when Manchester United made enquiries about him towards the end of the transfer window. However, one influential 15-minute appearance is not enough to guarantee a permanent change in the hierarchy.

It has, at least, reminded Maresca that Manchester City possess an attacking option with qualities that are difficult to replicate. Ait-Nouri’s ability to beat opponents, create openings and carry the ball forward gives him a different profile from the other players competing for the position.

Algeria selection race

The timing of his return is also significant for his international prospects. Ait-Nouri is competing with Jaouen Hadjam for a starting place on the left side of the Algeria team, with Brahim Hemdani lacking a wide range of specialist alternatives in that position.

Behind those two players, neither Ramy Bensebaini nor Ahmed Touba is a natural solution, although both can fill in there if required.

Hadjam strengthened his position in the Algeria hierarchy during the most recent World Cup, even though he remained behind Ait-Nouri at that time. His game is based more on defensive discipline, while the Manchester City player offers a greater threat when taking on opponents and producing attacking moments.

Ait-Nouri’s experience in the Champions League and his status at Manchester City also give him a level of exposure that is difficult for Hadjam to match. He showed during the World Cup that he could handle responsibility in an Algeria shirt, combining high work-rate with a combative temperament.

Hemdani will want to see greater consistency before making a definitive judgement, but Ait-Nouri’s decisive contribution in Porto provides an encouraging first signal.

After being overlooked at club level during the opening weeks of the season, he has now reminded both Manchester City and Algeria of what he can offer at exactly the right moment.

By Naim Beneddra

Football has been part of Beneddra’s life since childhood, and he has worked in the profession for more than 20 years. He writes and analyses the game, while continuing to focus particularly on Algerian football and the Fennecs.