Vitor Pereira Thinks Rayan Ait-Nouri ‘Must Improve’ in Vital Area at Wolves – It Can Take Him to the Next Level…

Vitor Pereira Thinks Rayan Ait-Nouri ‘Must Improve’ in Vital Area at Wolves – It Can Take Him to the Next Level

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ head coach, Vitor Pereira, has called for a significant improvement in Rayan Ait-Nouri’s game, believing that enhancing a specific aspect of his play could elevate the young left-back to the next level of footballing success. Ait-Nouri, who has shown glimpses of brilliance since his arrival at Wolves, is under the spotlight as Pereira emphasizes the need for growth in a critical part of his game.

 

Ait-Nouri, 22, first joined Wolves in the 2020-2021 season on loan from French club Angers, before securing a permanent transfer in 2021. The Frenchman quickly established himself as one of the more exciting young talents in the Premier League, showcasing his technical ability, pace, and defensive prowess. However, Pereira, who took over the managerial reins at the club in the summer of 2023, has identified a key area where Ait-Nouri must develop if he is to fulfill his potential and become a world-class full-back.

 

The Area of Focus: Defensive Awareness

 

Pereira’s assessment of Ait-Nouri’s game suggests that the left-back’s defensive positioning and awareness need to be refined. While Ait-Nouri is known for his attacking runs down the left flank, he has sometimes been caught out of position defensively, leaving his team vulnerable to counter-attacks. Pereira, who has worked with some of the best players in world football, is adamant that by improving this part of his game, Ait-Nouri will not only strengthen his own performance but also contribute to the team’s overall balance and success.

 

In his most recent press conference, Pereira said: “Rayan is an incredibly talented player, but like any young player, there are areas of his game that need work. Defensively, he must improve his positioning, decision-making, and overall awareness when his team doesn’t have possession. He has the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, but to reach that level, these aspects of his game must be honed.”

 

The importance of defensive solidity cannot be overstated in the modern game, especially for full-backs who are expected to provide width in attack while still maintaining their defensive duties. Ait-Nouri’s attacking contributions have often been a highlight for Wolves, but his inconsistency in defensive situations has raised concerns among the coaching staff. Pereira’s comments suggest that Ait-Nouri is not far from unlocking his true potential but needs to focus on the finer details of the defensive side of the game.

 

Improving the Defensive Side of the Game

 

One of the primary concerns Pereira has with Ait-Nouri’s defensive capabilities is his tendency to lose concentration at key moments. Ait-Nouri’s attacking instincts often lead him to venture too far forward, and on occasion, he has been caught out of position when Wolves are defending in transition. While his pace and technical ability allow him to recover in some situations, better positioning and decision-making would minimize the need for recovery runs, making his defending more efficient and less risky.

 

In addition to his positioning, Ait-Nouri’s ability to read the game and anticipate threats must also improve. In recent matches, Ait-Nouri has struggled to identify danger early enough, which has sometimes led to gaps in the Wolves’ defense. By improving his awareness of opposition movement and understanding the tactical structure of his team, Ait-Nouri could prevent dangerous attacks before they even materialize, allowing him to join in offensive moves with greater confidence.

 

Moreover, Pereira has emphasized the importance of communication with teammates in defensive situations. Ait-Nouri’s ability to coordinate with the center-backs and the holding midfielders is crucial for maintaining a compact defensive shape. By improving his communication and understanding with those around him, Ait-Nouri can contribute to a more cohesive defensive unit.

 

Learning from Experienced Teammates

 

In the context of Ait-Nouri’s development, Pereira has pointed to the importance of learning from the more experienced members of the squad. Wolves have several seasoned defenders who have built up a wealth of experience at the highest level of the game. Pereira has encouraged Ait-Nouri to take notes from players such as Max Kilman and Hugo Bueno, who have a natural understanding of defensive positioning and tactical discipline.

 

Kilman, in particular, is known for his steady defensive performances and his ability to read the game. Ait-Nouri can learn much from Kilman’s calmness under pressure, his precise tackles, and his excellent positioning. By observing his teammates and engaging in tactical discussions with them, Ait-Nouri can gain valuable insights that will help him refine his defensive capabilities.

 

Additionally, Pereira has emphasized the role of mentorship within the squad. Having a more experienced defender guide Ait-Nouri through various match scenarios can provide the young full-back with the knowledge needed to improve his decision-making in crucial moments.

 

A Bright Future at Wolves

 

Despite the areas that need improvement, there is no doubt that Ait-Nouri has a bright future ahead at Wolves. His performances going forward have often been a highlight for the club, and his dribbling, crossing, and ability to link up with attackers make him a real threat in the final third. With the right guidance from Pereira and the coaching staff, Ait-Nouri’s attacking potential could be further enhanced once his defensive consistency is developed.

 

In his assessment, Pereira made it clear that Ait-Nouri has the tools to become one of the top full-backs in Europe, but this requires a more complete understanding of the game, especially in the defensive phases. The fact that Pereira has singled out Ait-Nouri for improvement is a testament to the high expectations the manager has for the young player. Pereira is known for working with players who possess great potential and turning them into elite performers, and Ait-Nouri could very well be the next player to benefit from this approach.

 

Impact on Wolves’ Overall Strategy

 

From a tactical perspective, Ait-Nouri’s development is crucial to Wolves’ overall strategy moving forward. The club’s style of play under Pereira requires full-backs who can contribute both defensively and offensively, providing width and support while also maintaining their defensive responsibilities. If Ait-Nouri can develop the consistency that Pereira is seeking in his defensive game, he could become a cornerstone of the team’s future success.

 

Moreover, improving his defensive capabilities would not only help Ait-Nouri individually but could also benefit Wolves as a whole. A more solid defensive unit would enable the team to control matches more effectively, allowing them to play with more freedom in attack. In turn, this could result in more possession and more opportunities to create chances in the final third.

 

Conclusion

 

Vitor Pereira’s belief in Rayan Ait-Nouri’s potential is clear, and the emphasis on improving his defensive game represents an opportunity for the young left-back to reach the next level in his career. While Ait-Nouri’s attacking talents are well-known, Pereira’s coaching will help him refine his overall game, ensuring that he becomes a more complete player. With time, patience, and the right guidance, Ait-Nouri could emerge as one of the Premier League’s most accomplished left-backs, taking Wolves to greater heights in the process.