Rayan Aït-Nouri has never hidden his willingness to do whatever Manchester City ask of him. Now, it seems, that includes pulling on the gloves.

The 25-year-old has joked that he would happily go in goal if the situation demanded it — a claim that carries more weight than most when you remember the last City full-back forced between the posts.

That was Kyle Walker, back in November 2019, stepping in after Claudio Bravo had been sent off and Ederson picked up an injury. Aït-Nouri, it seems, would not need asking twice.

A season of adjustment

His first campaign at the Etihad did not unfold as planned. Arriving in the summer of 2025, the Algerian found his rhythm disrupted by a string of minor injuries, while Nico O'Reilly's outstanding form limited his opportunities further. It was a stop-start introduction to life in Manchester, the kind of season that tests a player's patience as much as his ability.

Pre-season offered a glimpse of something different. Deployed in a more advanced role, Aït-Nouri scored twice on City's tour of Asia and looked entirely at ease further up the pitch. He carried that momentum into the Champions League curtain-raiser against FC Porto, teeing up Erling Haaland's game-clinching goal.

For a defender who registered more goal involvements than any other in the Premier League during his final season at Wolves, it was a reminder of what he brings going forward.

Learning under Maresca

Speaking about life under Enzo Maresca, Aït-Nouri's enthusiasm is hard to miss. "It's amazing to learn every day in training with him," he said. "We work on a lot of details, and we take pleasure in working with the coach to press, defend and build up. It is different to be with Enzo, the way we stretch the pitch is different."

That tactical shift appears to suit him. The freedom to push higher, to contribute in the final third, aligns with a player who has always looked more comfortable attacking than defending.

"To play with these kinds of players is amazing. We have a very good group on and off the pitch. We all talk to each other and it's important to be like that to be better on the pitch. It's a small family so we all want the best for each other."

It is the sort of sentiment that can sound rehearsed at a press conference. From Aït-Nouri, who arrived in Manchester as a Paris-born outsider, it carries a little more weight.

"I love Manchester. The fans and the people are so nice and it's a beautiful place," he explained. "But my favourite thing to do is to stay home and relax with my family. I like to watch series — my favourite is Prison Break; I've watched it four times now. Spending time at home is so relaxing and helps me be at my best in training, too."

Beyond January

Off the pitch, his immediate future appears settled. According to a new report, Maresca is set to retain Aït-Nouri beyond January 2027, after a surprise loan approach from Old Trafford on deadline day failed to materialise.

Whether that interest resurfaces remains to be seen. For now, City have a versatile defender, a capable attacking outlet, and — if the worst happens — a goalkeeper in waiting.