Rayan Ait-Nouri redemption on the horizon as full stats emerge from Jordan vs Algeria

Rayan Ait-Nouri has been somewhat of a disappointment at Manchester City after arriving on a £36million deal last summer.

Supporters were excited to see him added to the squad, with Pep Guardiola in love with using and adapting his full-backs, but it didn't quite work out.

In his first season, the 25-year-old made just 12 Premier League starts, and while he still managed to earn five assists, he's been a far cry from what's come to be expected of him.

Just during the 2024-25 campaign, the full-back notched five goals and seven assists in a season where Wolves finished two spots above the relegation zone.

With Nico O'Reilly starring in the left-back role, though, Ait-Nouri's chances to shine have been few and far between, but that might all be about to change.

The Man City struggler is now on the biggest stage of them all, fighting at the 2026 World Cup with Algeria, and showing exactly what he's capable of.

Rayan Ait-Nouri saves Algeria from World Cup embarrassment

Algeria were thrashed 3-0 by Argentina in their World Cup opener, so securing three points against 63rd-placed Jordan was a non-negotiable.

With Nizar Al Rashdan opening the scoring for Jordan, however, the Fennecs were forced to do it the hard way, and Ait-Nouri put absolutely everything into his performance.

During his 85 minutes on the pitch, he fired off one shot, attempted three dribbles, made six tackles and three recoveries, won 69 per cent of his ground duels and won two fouls [FotMob].

He was an absolute nightmare to play against on Tuesday, 23 June, and that is exactly the type of character that Enzo Maresca will want fighting for him.

Although supporters will want to see O'Reilly feature primarily, his ability to play further forward should open the door for Ait-Nouri to have a bigger role, especially after his latest performance.

Ait-Nouri's current situation explained

It would not be a surprise if Ait-Nouri were to be linked with an exit between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

His lack of involvment has been a surprise for many, but with a contract running until June 2030, he shouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.

During Maresca's time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were strongly linked with the flying full-back, so that should tell you everything you need to know about the player's future.

The incoming manager was clearly interested in working with Ait-Nouri, and this could be the start of what many hope will be a redemption arc for the full-back.