Guardiola highlights Algerian Ait-Nouri’s special quality

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has highlighted one special quality of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) star Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The former Barcelona FC boss commented on the Algerian defender’s attributes while giving an update to the media about his squad ahead of the Manchester derby on Saturday.

“I’m happy Rayan Ait-Nouri is back, he has incredible special quality not just in the final third but in the build up to help us a lot,” he told City media.

The Citizens will take on Manchester United in a Premier League clash, with the former champions seeking to reduce the gap from Arsenal by three points.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s role with Algeria at AFCON

With Algeria having been booted out of the ongoing AFCON by Nigeria in the quarter-finals, Ait-Nouri has returned to the Etihad. He was part of the squad that defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in a Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Now, the Algerian is expected to make the playing squad for the Manchester derby.

With City hit by injuries of key defenders, including John Stones and Reuben Dias, Guardiola will bank on Ait-Nouri.

Dias and Gvardiol, the Citizens’ key defenders, suffered long-term injuries.