Wolves have now been told that one of Gary O’Neil’s favourites should be spoken about as one of the Premier League’s best with ‘crazy’ claim made.
Gary O’Neil has bolstered all areas at Molineux following his arrival at Wolves just days before the 2023/24 Premier League season commenced.
The Englishman was hired following the exit of Julen Lopetegui, taking over a squad short on numbers and quality after the struggles of the summer transfer window.
Financial restrictions saw the Old Gold stripped of their strongest talents without room to explore replacements, handing O’Neil a monumental task at the point of his arrival.
The former Bournemouth boss has taken adversity in his stride, as Wolves sit in good stead to challenge for a European spot, squeezing the best out of the players Lopetegui talked down.
One player who has been revived by O’Neil’s arrival is Rayan Ait-Nouri, whose future was uncertain as Lopetegui failed to see the potential the 22-year-old has.
Gary O’Neil has transformed Rayan Ait-Nouri at Wolves
There aren’t many players at Molineux that have been as integral to the manager’s plans as Ait-Nouri this season.
From being played in a range of positions to being an overall reliable asset to Wolves, the Algerian has captured the eye of many for his impressive versatility throughout the course of the campaign.
When discussing the defender on The Keen & Judah Show, journalist Nathan Judah highlighted the key improvement that has seen Ait-Nouri’s career take off this season.
“A crazy change in his career progression, someone whose future was in doubt, he didn’t really have a set place in the side.”
“Not only has he gone way above Hugo Bueno, he’s playing every single game, whether it’s left-wing back, left-back in a four, whether it’s left-wing or left-forward, he’s played all the positions.”
“I think he’s added a maturity there and to be honest, if you look at some of the left-wing backs who have gained critical acclaim over the whole Premier League this season, Rayan Ait-Nouri is right up there.”
Is Rayan Ait-Nouri one of the best in the Premier League?
Utilised in O’Neil’s system in an array of positions due to his skilful versatility, the Algeria international has not only thrived at Wolves but has emerged as one of the top performers in the league.
Judah’s claims to name Ait-Nouri as one of the best in the top flight is supported by his numbers this season, seeing him rank as one of the best full-backs.
As per FBref, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 2% of defenders in his position for his average of 2.38 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League this term, reinforcing just how good he’s been for the Old Gold.
Due to his performances, Ait-Nouri has already been suspected to be an in-demand player in the summer transfer window as his versatility in the position continues to prove his innate strengths as a modern-day full-back.