Joao Gomes was watching several of his former Wolves teammates closely in the latest round of action at the Club World Cup.
In the round of 16 of the tournament, Ruben Neves issued a shock to Rayan Ait-Nouri, knocking the left-back out of the Club World Cup.
Al Hilal faced Manchester City in the knockouts, with as many as three former Wolves stars in action during the contest.
Neves dealt Ait-Nouri and ex-Wolves villain Matheus Nunes a resounding blow, as Al Hilal confirmed City’s exit with a winner in extra time.
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Joao Gomes makes bold Rayan Ait-Nouri prediction
All five of the former Wolves players at the Club World Cup were in action in the round of 16, but now, only three remain.
Nunes and Ait-Nouri were knocked out by Neves, with Vitinha still going strong with PSG and Pedro Neto enjoying an impressive tournament with Chelsea.
Al Hilal shocked the world when they beat City 4-3, sending Pep Guardiola packing to announce the quality in the Saudi Pro League to any doubters.
Many eyes were on the game, with one very close to home watching on, as Joao Gomes reacted on social media as the contest unfolded.
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On X, the Wolves midfielder shared a bold prediction about Ait-Nouri, backing his former teammate to become the best in the world very soon.
“I don’t give Rayan Ait-Nouri 2 years to be the best left back in the world, easy,” Gomes said.
Man City fans have issued similar praise to Ait-Nouri, as the Algerian has enjoyed a statement start to life as a City player.
After the left-back departed Wolves, Gomes told Ait-Nouri that he’d become the world’s best, and doubled down on his statement while watching the defender in action against Neves.
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Wolves have inspired Pep Guardiola’s back four
There’s no doubt that Wolves will regret selling Ait-Nouri for such a slim price, as City struck gold by acquiring the Algerian for £36m.
Guardiola saw an opportunity to capture the left-back for a good price, as Ait-Nouri had just one year remaining on his Wolves contract at the time of his departure.
The market opening wasn’t the only thing that the Man City boss saw, as Wolves have hugely impacted how City play.
Against Al Hilal, Guardiola used Nunes at right-back and Ait-Nouri at left-back, combining the two former Wolves teammates on the flanks to support those ahead of them.
The Spaniard sees the appeal of playing Nunes further back, with Ait-Nouri arriving at City as one of the best to play the role.
Wolves will watch their former player reach new heights from afar, and if Gomes’ prediction comes true, the Old Gold’s low sale price will haunt the West Midlands for years to come.