All signs suggest that Rayan Ait-Nouri will eventually become the sixth Algerian player to play for Manchester City player in the summer.
Wolves expect Ait-Nouri to join Manchester City, which goes to show how likely it is for him to play his football at the Etihad Stadium next season.
The 23-year-old is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, renowned for his impeccable technique, close control and dribbling, akin to former City defender Joao Cancelo.
Ait-Nouri could join Manchester City for £39 million, which would be a bargain for a player of his calibre.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Man City should sign Antonee Robinson instead of Rayan Ait-Nouri
Apart from the former Angers technician, another player City were linked with was Antonee Robinson.
Manchester City shortlisted Fulham’s Robinson but ultimately, they opted not to make a move for him.
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However, City should walk away from a deal to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri and pursue the Fulham defender instead, despite his recent admission that he grew up supporting the Sky Blues’ newfound foes in Arsenal.
Firstly, Robinson is a superior creator to Ait-Nouri, providing 16 assists in the past three Premier League seasons in comparison to the latter’s tally of 11, despite the Algerian having played as a wing-back for Nuno Espirito Santo in the past.
But more importantly, the United States international is a superior defender to the Manchester City target, who can especially struggle against tricky wingers, as noted by the torrid time he had up against Noni Madueke in Wolves’ 6-2 loss against Chelsea last season.
Robinson, on the other hand thrives when tasked to play against skilful wide forward, as was demonstrated when he came out on top against Mohamed Salah in Fulham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool in December.
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
The former Everton left-back’s reading of the game is stellar but perhaps the key reason why he is a nightmare for wingers to play against is his outstanding athleticism — with the Premier League’s official website revealing that he spent 1.04% of his time sprinting last season — which was the fifth-highest tally in the division.
If Manchester City signed Robinson instead of Ait-Nouri, who lauded Pep Guardiola, the former would also improve them as a counter-attacking side as his pace and engine allows him to carry the ball over long distances at will — unlike the latter, who uses his skill and quick feet to bypass players.
Antonee Robinson stats compared to Rayan Ait-Nouri
All in all, the Cottagers fan favourite is simply the more well-rounded full-back out of the two and the stats back why Manchester City should make a move for Robinson over Ait-Nouri as well.
STATS PER 90 RAYAN AIT-NOURI ANTONEE ROBINSON
INTERCEPTIONS 0.75 1.76
TACKLES 2.58 2.7
BLOCKS 1.22 1.22
PROGRESSIVE CARRIES 2.58 3.35
PROGRESSIVE PASSES 3.13 3.72
SHOT-CREATING ACTIONS 2.63 2.27
Over the past 365 days
Barring shot-creating actions, there is no other metric where the Wolves man has the edge over the Milton Keynes-born speedster.
However, it is also key to mention that Ait-Nouri is a top-quality player and if he did make his way to the Etihad Stadium, it is likely that he would succeed.