Gary O'Neil excited about Wolves star's potential

Although O’Neil feels Ait-Nouri can still improve, the head coach is looking forward to seeing him develop even further in the Wolves side.

“He has an incredible talent and ability and I feel the biggest improvement can be made with him just by coaching and him understanding his roles and responsibilities better for each game,” O’Neil said.

“We’re trying to improve him positionally and decision making-wise, but we have someone who has that much scope for improvement.

“That’s probably the easiest part for someone to improve. He’s physically developed already, technically he won’t improve much, but when they’re coachable and you can improve that, it makes a big difference.

“I’m excited to see where we can get Rayan. I’m excited he’s been able to play a bit higher up.

“Having that flexibility is important and I’m pleased with where Rayan is.

“I don’t want to jinx anything, but he’s done well getting through 90 minutes in the last few games, so hopefully that can continue.”

O’Neil added: “He’s been very open to everything we’ve asked of him.

“You learn about the people in the changing room first and figure out what they respond to and how best to help them.

“I have a good relationship with Rayan, where I know he doesn’t need loads. He needs little bits often, trying to help him understand things.

“He benefits the most out of improving. We get the benefit as a football club as he improves the team, but it’s his career.

“If he improves, the sky is the limit for Rayan, with the ability that he has.”

Since arriving at Wolves in 2020, Ait-Nouri has shown tremendous potential but struggled defensively.

He has found some consistency in his performances this season, but O’Neil is still looking to fine tune his game.

He said: “There’s some rough edges that I’d like to smooth out a little bit, but he knows that as well.

“He’s a good kid, wants to work and wants to do well. I’ve had no issues with him at all.

“He’s fantastic going forward, but now imagine how good he’d be if every time the ball comes into the box, he’s reliable at the back post.

“Every time there’s a runner, the body shape is correct and we don’t switch off.

“We’re trying to push him at everything and make him the best left-back he can be, for him and for us.

“Rayan will always be able to get forward, even if he plays lower, we want him joining in late. There will always be opportunities for Rayan to show how good he is going forward.

“Can we help him with the defensive side and can we keep improving him? Definitely. Is he willing to work and is he keen? 100 per cent. That’s what I’ve liked about him.”