Wolves have had some exceptional full-backs and wing-backs in their ranks, including Matt Doherty, who was sold to Tottenham in 2020 for around £15 million. Doherty returned to Wolves on a free transfer in 2023 after his contract with Spurs was terminated. Over his career at Molineux, the 32-year-old has made 343 appearances, scored 31 goals, provided 39 assists, and played for a total of 26,543 minutes.
At Wolves, these dynamic wide defenders are crucial for both attacking and defensive duties, often delivering crosses and tracking back in a defensive setup. This demanding role makes their attacking contributions even more noteworthy.
One of the standout performers in recent times is Rayan Ait-Nouri. The 23-year-old joined Wolves from French club Angers for a modest fee of £9.5 million. Described as “incredibly dynamic,” Ait-Nouri is praised for his ball-carrying abilities and technical skills.
Since his arrival, Ait-Nouri has made 120 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists, with a total of 8,218 minutes played. His attacking prowess has been a key asset for Wolves, helping to drive the team forward and deliver impactful crosses.
Last season, Ait-Nouri was a crucial player for Wolves, featuring in 38 games across all competitions, scoring three goals, and contributing two assists while helping secure six clean sheets in 2,669 minutes of play.
Since his relatively inexpensive move to Wolves in 2021, Ait-Nouri’s value has surged significantly, with reports suggesting that Wolves would demand around £60 million for him this summer—a staggering 531% increase from his original transfer fee.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, reportedly showed interest in Ait-Nouri this summer, following their acquisition of Matheus Nunes from Wolves the previous season for £53 million.
When compared to two of the top left-backs in the league, Ait-Nouri’s metrics are quite competitive. He averages 2.59 progressive carries per 90 minutes and 2.51 shot-creating actions per 90—figures that surpass those of Gvardiol but fall short of Robertson. His value and potential could rise further if he continues to develop and play for a more dominant side.
Ait-Nouri also demonstrates solid defensive qualities, averaging the highest number of tackles among the trio, showcasing his technical ability that is highly sought after by top clubs. It could be challenging for Wolves to retain him next summer if he maintains his impressive form and development.
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