Manchester City’s new left-back has been tasked with adding more to City’s attacking play

The potential of Rayan Ait-Nouri linking up with Manchester City’s attacking players is a tantalising one.

In Rayan Ait-Nouri, Manchester City have signed an attacking left-back who will add a new dimension to their attacking play. The Algerian international is blessed with tremendous technical ability which was on full display against Al Ain. But where Ait-Nouri should thrive is his combination play with Manchester City’s attacking players. The Algerian international is a superb dribbler and his ability to pick out a pass should mesh well his City teammates.

In theory, Rayan Ait-Nouri playing as an overlapping left-back should give Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush more space to work with on the left wing. Often, especially in the case of Jeremy Doku, Manchester City’s wingers are double-marked. But with the addition of Ait-Nouri Manchester City’s opponents won’t have the luxury of employing that tactic. If Ait-Nouri is given space he could be lethal. So the option to double-mark Doku or Marmoush may be gone. That is just one Manchester City’s gains with the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The possibility of Erling Haaland and Rayan Ait-Nouri combining is also a tantalising prospect. Haaland needs service to thrive and Ait-Nouri has the skillset to provide the service that Haaland requires. Their potential link-up could be devastating once they gel from playing together regularly.

Playing with no pressure should bring out the best in Rayan Ait-Nouri at Manchester City. Manchester City’s new left-back is a quality player on the ball and he should blossom playing under Pep Guardiola and by playing with Manchester City’s vast array of attacking talent.