‘Definitely’: Gary O’Neil drops verdict on future role of £10k-a-week Wolves star who he really

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has given his verdict on the future roles that Rayan Ait-Nouri could play in his squad.

Wolves have seen the best of Rayan Ait-Nouri this season, as the Algerian continues to thrive playing in Gary O’Neil’s squad.

The Old Gold are lucky to still have the 22-year-old in their ranks in some capacity, considering that Julen Lopetegui almost exiled the defender due to not favouring his talents in his squad last term.

Now, O’Neil is reaping the benefits of Ait-Nouri’s flexibility, showing his worth in the manager’s playing style and the importance of his role on the left side both in attack and defence.

Gary O’Neil shares verdict on where he wants to play Rayan Ait-Nouri

Due to the recent shortages in Wolves’ squad, the Algeria international has seen himself adhere to a number of roles in O’Neil’s starting lineup.

Traditionally used as a left-back to support the Old Gold’s back three, the 22-year-old has shown just how dynamic his talents are when moving upfield this season.

Speaking to the media, via Express and Star, the manager admitted that despite the versatility that Ait-Nouri possesses, he has one preference to where he likes to field the £10k-a-week star.

“If you look at the game now, full-backs are used in lots of different areas, a lot of teams play them in midfield, some teams play one higher up as a winger and the other one lower.”

“Rayan’s ability and physical attributes allow him to definitely do all three of those. We’ve used him in all three.”

“Whether I see him playing higher permanently, probably not. He’s very good at arriving from lower.”

“I love having him in the squad and I’m excited with what we’re able to do with him.”

“I do like him arriving somewhere lower in the pitch, generally.”

Rayan Ait-Nouri is a player most wish to have 

Throughout the season, Ait-Nouri has been a consistently reliable player that Wolves can lean on over on the left side.

The 22-year-old has showcased just how effective he can be in most positions on the pitch, with his skill, pace and general footballing IQ far beyond his years.

As seen against Coventry City and Fulham before that, the defender is far more than just a defensive asset to Wolves, prompting O’Neil to address the levels that the Algerian can reach in an attacking sense.

“There’s definitely loads and loads of potential and we can definitely add some attacking numbers to his game with the quality he has.”

When it comes to carrying the ball forward, very few in the Premier League do it better than Wolves’ number three, who ranks in the top 2% of fullbacks this season for his average of 2.38 successful take-ons per 90,

As O’Neil’s squad continues to be stretched by key absences in attack, who knows if the Englishman will decide to unleash his dazzling defender further upfield in the near future.