Rayan Ait-Nouri couldn’t play against Leicester City, but will be back available for selection for Wolves against Manchester United on Boxing Day.
The Algeria international got sent off after the full-time whistle against Ipswich Town for getting involved in a skirmish.
Thankfully for Wolves, Ait-Nouri’s absence against Leicester didn’t prove costly, with Wanderers winning 3-0.
The man who replaced Ait-Nouri was Rodrigo Gomes, who has experience of playing as a wing-back from his time on loan at Estoril.
Lee Naylor praised Rodrigo for his defensive work against Leicester, and felt he was Wolves’ best player in the day.
Pereira may now have a decision to make between Rodrigo and Ait-Nouri for United, but he seemingly does like the latter from what he’s seen so far.
Pereira praises ‘quality’ Ait-Nouri and says Rodrigo battle is ‘good for the team’
Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderer...
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Ait-Nouri has probably not matched the standards he set last season so far in 2024/25.
He has chipped in with a few goals and assists, but there have again been question marks over his defending and positional play.
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He remains one of Wolves’ most key players, but he’ll need to step up now that a new manager has come in.
But luckily for him, Pereira seems to rate him.
He told reporters today: “He has quality.”
Pereira went on to talk about a potential new rivalry of the left wing-back position after the performance of Rodrigo against Leicester.
“Between Rodrigo and Ait-Nouri, they have different skills, different qualities,” he added. “I think it’s good for the team. The diversity of the qualities of the players increases the level of the team.
“When we change a player, we put on the pitch other qualities, and if these qualities are working for the group, for the team, this is why football is beautiful.
“When you change the players, you have other qualities on the pitch. I don’t want, in the same position, two players with the same skills, the same qualities. I like that they are different because they give me the opportunity to change something.”
Ait-Nouri needs to improve for Wolves
Now that Pereira has come in, Ait-Nouri will probably need to step up his game – especially following that fantastic display by Rodrigo at the weekend.
Ait-Nouri has still made some good contributions this season for Wolves. But he has undoubtedly struggled at times defensively.
Rayan Ait-Nouri for Wolves this season
Appearances – 17
Minutes played –
Goals – 3
Assists – 3
Yellow/red cards – 5/1
Wolves fans slammed Ait-Nouri’s performance against Chelsea back in August, and in recent weeks some have questioned why Hugo Bueno was allowed to leave the club on loan.
But seemingly Pereira likes Ait-Nouri, so one would expect he’ll still have plenty of involvement.
Given Matheus Cunha is about to be banned after an FA charge, Ait-Nouri may well be the Brazilian’s direct replacement further forward, with Rodrigo staying at left wing-back.
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