Rayan Ait-Nouri made an immediate impact on his return to competitive football, setting up Erling Haaland in Manchester City's 2-0 Champions League victory at FC Porto on Tuesday. His late contribution could strengthen his case with both club manager Enzo Maresca and Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani.
The Algeria international had been left on the bench for Manchester City's first three Premier League matches of the season, but was introduced in the 75th minute in place of Phil Foden. Operating as a left wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 system adopted by Maresca during the closing stages, Ait-Nouri supplied energy, technical quality and attacking depth at a time when City were lacking an outlet on that flank.
He went close almost immediately after coming on, then tested FC Porto's defence again with a shot that narrowly missed the target. His most important contribution arrived in stoppage time, when he surged forward before delivering a precise cut-back for Haaland to convert and seal the victory.
The short appearance was enough to earn positive assessments from British football outlets. City Xtra gave him a rating of 6.5, while FotMob awarded him 7.3.
Ait-Nouri's performance represented a sharp contrast to a frustrating start to the campaign. The 25-year-old had not played a single minute in Manchester City's opening three league wins, with Josko Gvardiol among the players ahead of him in the pecking order.
His lack of opportunities had already attracted attention when Manchester United made enquiries about his situation towards the end of the transfer window. However, one productive 15-minute spell is not enough to guarantee a permanent change in the club's hierarchy. It has nevertheless reminded Maresca that he has an attacking option with qualities that are difficult to replace.
The timing is also significant for Ait-Nouri's competition with Jaouen Hadjam for a place in Algeria's starting XI. Hemdani has few specialist options at left-back or left wing-back, with Ramy Bensebaini and Ahmed Touba able to cover the position but not regarded as natural alternatives in the same way.
Hadjam had strengthened his position within the Algeria squad during the last World Cup, although he remained behind Ait-Nouri at that stage. The player offers greater defensive discipline, while Ait-Nouri has a clear advantage when it comes to taking on opponents, creating openings and influencing matches at the highest level of European football.
Their profiles remain difficult to compare. Ait-Nouri has Champions League experience and is part of the Manchester City set-up, while he also demonstrated during the World Cup that he could handle responsibility in an Algeria shirt through his work-rate and combative character.
Hemdani will almost certainly want to see greater consistency before making any definitive decision. Even so, the assist in Porto was an encouraging first signal. After being forced to wait for his opportunity, Ait-Nouri has reminded Manchester City and Algeria of what he can offer at exactly the right moment.
Naim Beneddra
Football has been part of my life since childhood, and I have been fortunate enough to make a career from it for more than 20 years. Since then, I have written, analysed and occasionally complained in front of a match, while continuing above all to enjoy telling the stories of the people who make the sport what it is. As an unconditional fan of the Fennecs, I naturally keep a close eye on everything connected with Algerian football. If you love football with passion, curiosity and a little admitted bias, we should get along well.