Wolves journalist Liam Keen thinks that Rayan Aït-Nouri will start their upcoming game against Everton this Monday night.
The French defender has had something of an inconsistent spell when it comes to playing time at Molineux. He was in and out of the side for most of last season when he was initially on loan, and following his permanent move in the summer, his problems have continued as he’s only made three starts under Bruno Lage, two of which were in the Carabao Cup.
He did start their most recent game against Leeds, earning a 7.2 rating on WhoScored as he helped out at both ends of the pitch, making five tackles and completing 75% of his passes.
Speaking on the latest edition of the E&S Wolves podcast (35:21), Keen felt that his performances when he has started games this season have allowed him to prove himself and that he should once again get the start against the Toffees on Monday night:
“For me at home against Everton I think you play Ait-Nouri. I think he’s earned that from that performance at Leeds and his Carabao Cup performances as well don’t get me wrong. I think he’s played very well in those two games against Forest and Spurs. So I would definitely play him.”
TIF Thoughts on Liam Keen’s comments about Rayan Aït-Nouri and Wolves
Were Wolves right to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri permanently?
Yes
No
Keen appears to be fairly convinced by what he has seen from Aït-Nouri so far this season, and now it’s just a case of whether or not the display against Leeds United is enough to convince Wolves boss Bruno Lage to play him there permanently moving forward.
There is clearly something that the club and those like about Aït-Nouri seeing as they decided to sign him permanently, and give him a five-year contract to boot, so the odds were that he was going to get some playing time eventually, but now the onus is going to be on him to make sure that he holds onto his spot.
Judging by Keen’s comments he has earned the right to start, but seeing as the club were able to get by without him to start the season, with Brazilian Marcal offering competition, the option will always be there for it to be taken away.
In other news: ‘As far as I’m aware’ – Journalist drops Renato Sanches transfer claim at Wolves