Manchester City topped Group G of the FIFA Club World by dismantling Juventus in their latest 5-2 victory.
Pep Guardiola made a statement by opting not to start some of his big names such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki but ultimately, his risk paid off as the scoreline was a true reflection of City’s dominant performance.
New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri were trusted to play in what was a must-win game for Manchester City against Juventus as only a victory would assure them top spot in the group.
However, the Sky Blues have avoided the chance to face one of the favourites to win the competition in Real Madrid in the last-16, who could also finish at the summit of their group if they beat RB Salzburg.
Rayan Ait-Nouri looked like the real deal for Man City vs Juventus
But aside from the win itself, a huge positive to take for Manchester City is how brilliant Ait-Nouri looked against Juventus, who even former teammate Conor Coady told Wolves’ official website is “fantastic.”
Ait-Nouri revealed Pep Guardiola has given him “freedom” and he certainly seemed assured on the pitch, assisting Jeremy Doku’s opener with an excellent through ball in the opening stages of the contest.
Rayan Ait-Nouri looking on during Manchester City's match against Juventus
Photo by Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images
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The Algerian international created chances for fun against the Italian giants, dancing past Alberto Costa before whipping in an inch-perfect cross for Bernardo Silva, which was eventually saved by Michele Di Gregorio.
Pep Guardiola recently lauded Ait-Nouri, who looks like a natural fit in his system and what would particularly excite the Catalan boss is his burgeoning partnership with Doku as Manchester City’s left-sided pair combined on multiple occasions to wreak havoc against Juventus.
Furthermore, Guardiola would have enjoyed watching the former Wolves left-back in action because he looked equally comfortable at hugging the touchline and drifting into midfield, allowing the Belgian to stay out wide and cause Costa a whole host of issues down the left flank.
Ait-Nouri’s technical excellence, flair, knack of retaining possession in tight spaces and understanding of City’s system make him look like a player destined to become one of the signings of next season.
Rayan Ait-Nouri stats for Man City vs Juventus
With Ait-Nouri joining Manchester City for £34 million, the early signs suggest that he is a bargain.
Pep Guardiola has a history of favouring technically gifted full-backs such as Philipp Lahm and Joao Cancelo, and the two-time treble-winner would be particularly encouraged by his start to life at City.
The stats exemplify just how well Manchester City defender Ait-Nouri fared against Juventus.
RAYAN AIT-NOURI STATS VS JUVENTUS
ASSISTS 1
CHANCES CREATED 3
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 3/3
ACCURATE PASSES 53/53
Creating the most chances on the pitch (three), completing all of his attempted dribbles (three) as well as every pass (53) he made, Ait-Nouri was truly a joy to watch while also grabbing an assist.
Considering the Montreuil-born technician is yet to reach his final form at Manchester City, their domestic rivals should be fearful of how terrific he already looks at his new club.