21 | Rayan Ait-Nouri - 2025/26

warringtonblue said:
But if the players I mentioned had tracked back, he'd have had no one to pull it back to.
On Sunday, Villa's willingness to cut out crosses and block shots was like chalk and cheese comparted to ours
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Yes agreed. Cherki gave up following the player

Nico had got back (possibly too far back)....

But 1 vs 1 RAN needs to be better...this is what Pep demands of all his players defensively.

Hopefully he improves. He will if he has the correct attitude as he has the technical skill to be a great offensive left back. But he will only be successful if he actually puts in the work defensively. Hopefully he does as he is young enough to become a legend at this club.

The slightly worrying thing is his demeanour. He has so far never appeared happy (and I dont me full of smiles etc) - he just looks uncomfortable in all aspects. Maybe he is just displeased with the way he has performed so far but we have seen this before when players make the move up (no disrespect to Wolves) and they struggle,

We have for a long time needed a specialist left back - What I dont want is another Cancello - great going forward but shit defensively and ultimately a bad apple it appears in the dressing room (The club were quite eager to get rid). Hopefully RAN can become the player his physical talent suggests he could. However, we all know that talent only gets you so far...the last few percent is down to attitude.
 
simon23 said:
Yes agreed. Cherki gave up following the player

Nico had got back (possibly too far back)....

But 1 vs 1 RAN needs to be better...this is what Pep demands of all his players defensively.

Hopefully he improves. He will if he has the correct attitude as he has the technical skill to be a great offensive left back. But he will only be successful if he actually puts in the work defensively. Hopefully he does as he is young enough to become a legend at this club.

The slightly worrying thing is his demeanour. He has so far never appeared happy (and I dont me full of smiles etc) - he just looks uncomfortable in all aspects. Maybe he is just displeased with the way he has performed so far but we have seen this before when players make the move up (no disrespect to Wolves) and they struggle,

We have for a long time needed a specialist left back - What I dont want is another Cancello - great going forward but shit defensively and ultimately a bad apple it appears in the dressing room (The club were quite eager to get rid). Hopefully RAN can become the player his physical talent suggests he could. However, we all know that talent only gets you so far...the last few percent is down to attitude.
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He began his training as a number 10, then was repositioned as a left-back, and he's aware of the need to improve defensively; in fact, that's his answer when asked which aspect of his game he needs to improve the most. He's performed very well against many wingers like Salah. From what I've seen, he defends better against set attacks, but struggles during quick transitions.

Perhaps he'll be a failure here, never live up to expectations, and be sold, but one thing is certain: he'll never act arrogantly or behave badly towards his teammates or Pep like Cancelo did. He's not a Benjamin Mendy either, as he leads a very stable and professional life off the pitch.
 
B\connellblue said:
Seems to be the go to excuse on here for non performing players. Granted he's been injured so a bit of patience may be needed. Having said that he shouldn't need anytime to adjust at all as hes been playing in the premier league for years.
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So you accept injury may require patience. But tet you conclude its an excuse.

Make it make sense
 
I saw him shut down salah a few years back when salah was prime. So he must have something about him defensively. Looked poor in that area so far for us. I think he can be decent.
 
B\connellblue said:
The "rusty" part. These are elite athletes with thesl sort of facilities that the rest of us could only dream off. They should be fighting fit.
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KDB,Haaland and co say hello !!
By your shit comments everyone should "be fighting fit" because of our top class facilities, yet you, like most, know jack-shit about their injuries nor the time scales for getting back to full fitness.
 
super_city_si said:
I saw him shut down salah a few years back when salah was prime. So he must have something about him defensively. Looked poor in that area so far for us. I think he can be decent.
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Many saw Eliaquim Mangala shut down Diego Costa a few years back. People thought he must have something about him defensively...

Expect the worst and you won't be disappointed.
 
He is quality, but he has barely played for us for people to be so dismissive.
He needs to develop relationships with colleagues and an understanding of patterns of play.
Fans always need to be patient with new players.

He has competition on his hands from Nico O'Reilly who appears to have serious potential. Competition helps the best to thrive.
 
Dax777 said:
Would you rather we had gotten the kid who went to Liverpool?


I noticed lots of folks who were adamant we got the wrong left back have been quiet of late about Kerkez. Im not sure if you were one of those who thought he was the better option.

Ait Nouri's technical ability suggested then and now that he was the better fit for us.

There is no point rushing to any conclusions until he has a run of games. He was gimpy and rusty last game.

Either way, we already have a World Class left back Potential in NO'R
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Tbh I like the lad at Liverpool and I do believe he will end up good once they figure what he can do but I salah rated alt Nouri and was pleased we got him but he hasn’t been great just like kerkez . You are right about Nico oreilly though .
 
I do worry for him given how well NOR has done.

I think today was a sign of things to come - put him higher up and let him weave his dribbling magic but also having the defensive intensity to get back considering he’s used to playing that role anyway.

He’s getting the Gomez treatment since getting back from injury, mind. A testament to NOR.
 
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