City have been without a recognised left-back since the departure of Benjamin Mendy, but Guardiola seems to have found the perfect solution.
“Wow,” said Guardiola of Ait-Nouri’s performance. “He had to defend a back four, then make a back five. He played really, really good, not for the first time.
“It was his first game but he has played in the Premier League for many years.”
Playing at the incredible Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ait-Nouri showcased the class he possesses with driving runs up and down the left flank.
He played the full game and highlighted why he will be such an asset with a total of 92 touches of the ball, including seven in the opposition box, second only to Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian, who scored from the penalty spot and missed numerous other chances, will be relishing getting on the end of some of Ait-Nouri’s whipped crosses.
The 24-year-old could have scored in the first half when he cut inside and beat a couple of defenders, but lost his footing at the vital moment.
Guardiola said: “He can help us play in that role outside but then had to play as a holding midfielder and go into the pockets. He moves really well into the spaces.
“He is intelligent and clear to defend and take the ball. He is so clever in the final third, taking the right decisions to create more spaces. Really pleased for the game he played.”
His statistics while at Wolves show what he will add to this City side and why the £31m fee could turn out to be a bargain.
Last season, Ait-Nouri led the way for defenders with the most goal involvements (11) in the Premier League – in total he scored nine goals and provided 19 assists in five seasons at Molineux.
His attacking capabilities are further enhanced by the fact only three other full-backs created more chances last term and only West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed more dribbles than Ait Nouri’s 63.
Ait-Nouri helped ensure City progressed into the knockout stages and they will be aiming to seal top spot in their final group game against Juventus on Thursday.
