Rayan Ait-Nouri made his Manchester City late on Sunday night by starting in his new team's FIFA Club World Cup clash with Al Ain.
The 24-year-old Algeria international — a recent £33.7million arrival from Wolves — was deployed as a left wing back, operating high up the pitch, with Pep Guardiola having opted to play three central defenders behind him.
With City utterly dominant against opposition from Abu Dhabi, Ait-Nouri grabbed the opportunity to show off his attacking talents — and he left many fans impressed.
City YouTuber Steven Mcinerney declared: 'Ait-Nouri looks quality.'
Another City fan replied: 'His first touch almost reminds me of [Riyad] Mahrez.' A third added: 'So much better than [Matheus] Nunes on the other side'.
Ait-Nouri's dribbling skills dazzled on Sunday night, with the highlight being a cheeky Cruyff Turn and nutmeg midway through the second half.
One comment read: 'Ait-Nouri is exactly what we needed, this guy glides past defenders.'
Another fan tweeted: 'The way Rayan Ait-Nouri moves and dribbles reminds me of prime Moussa Dembele.'
Bazmnopsty
61
To those hu watch EPL Ait- Nouri’s spectacular performance is not something new even against strong English players, always on the high remember he’s not from any other league!!!
KylieJones
42
This guy reminds me of Jordi alba...Pep find someone next to the whole braca squad he was coaching but he never find back a next Messi...1 goat 🐐 the best legend still playing
jamdun009
40
This Kid is SPECIAL.
YNWA_mylife
23
He has always been good, always rated him highly. Sadly he’s with our rival now
Manchesterisblue
12
He was already good during his time at wolves, i don't get why no clubs are making moves on him. Really glad he joined city