Gary O’Neil picked out one of his Wolves players for praise after the 1-1 draw with Burnley, saying he is having an ‘incredible’ season.
Wanderers picked up a point on the road, against a spirited Burnley side who was now four games unbeaten in the Premier League.
O’Neil again had key players missing, but at least was able to welcome back Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian replaced Leon Chiwome for the final stages of the game.
While this was potentially a missed opportunity for Wolves, the team did fall behind in the game and showed good character to come back.
It was Rayan Ait-Nouri who equalised for the visitors, after Jacob Bruun Larsen scored a stunning opener.
The Algerian flicked in a Pablo Sarabia free-kick and after the game, O’Neil praised the youngster for his efforts and also hailed him for the season he is having…
Gary O’Neil praises Rayan Ait-Nouri following another goal for Wolves against Burnley
Ait-Nouri has now scored three goals in his last four games for Wolves.
But realistically, he should have about five. Against Aston Villa, he squandered a glorious chance in the first-half. And then last night at Burnley, he went through on goal and should probably have scored past Aro Muric but hit the ball straight at him.
We can’t be too critical, because he has been stepping up, in a position he is very much still learning.
He is undoubtedly a player with serious potential, and after last night’s game, O’Neil heaped praise on the 22-year-old.
He said (via The Athletic): “He’s having an incredible season. I’m proud of him and proud of the work he’s done. I just wish he’d have scored five in the last four because there were two massive chances.
“He’s doing unbelievably well with the changes in the different areas that we’re asking him to pop up in. Then occasionally, not very often, but occasionally, he looks like a left-back. Unfortunately, those two times have been when he’s six yards out with just the goalie to beat.”
What a special talent Wolves have
Ait-Nouri was absolutely superb last night once again for Wolves and it was just a shame he could not convert that chance he had in the second-half.
But you can clearly see at the moment that the £10 million star is absolutely brimming with confidence. He seems to be relishing the fact that key players are out, and he gets to be the main man.
He is just a pleasure to watch at times. That footwork of his is amazing, and he is generally making better decisions now on the pitch. O’Neil clearly rates him very highly as well, admitting recently that he ‘loves’ having him in the squad.
Obviously though he still has a lot to learn. The chance he had in the second-half really should have resulted in a second goal for him and Wolves.
But there is no denying this boy has the potential to be very special. It would be no surprise if he goes on to become a top left-sided player in the future.