Rayan Ait-Nouri Aims for More Goals Under Enzo Maresca

Rayan Ait-Nouri is not content with simply patrolling the flank. Under Enzo Maresca, he wants numbers next to his name.

Fresh from scoring his first goal for City in the win over a K-League XI, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender spoke with the club’s official channels and made his intentions clear: this version of Ait-Nouri plans to live higher up the pitch – and on the scoresheet.

“I would like to,” he said when asked if he aims to score regularly. “It was my first goal for City, and it's a part of the game I really enjoy. I have always tried to play in an attacking way, but I don't score all the time.

“It's a real sensation for me, and I want to learn every day, work more and more to add as much to my game as I can.”

Maresca’s tactical blueprint is already reshaping his role. Rather than hugging the touchline in a traditional full-back slot, the 25-year-old operated in a more advanced position behind striker Divin Mubama, stepping into pockets of space alongside Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo.

It changed the feel of his performance. He wasn’t just supporting attacks; he was part of the front line.

City’s victory over the K-League XI delivered Maresca his first positive result in charge and a glimpse of how fluid his attacking structure can become when the pieces click. Ait-Nouri, released from some of his defensive shackles, looked eager to seize that freedom.

The test now stiffens.

City will close out their pre-season tour with a demanding fixture against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, a very different examination of Maresca’s ideas and Ait-Nouri’s new responsibilities.

“It will be a different game than the last two games,” Ait-Nouri said. “We really enjoy playing this kind of game against one of the better teams in Europe; it will help us really prepare for next season.

“We know about Atletico's level, and it will be good to play them before we face Arsenal next week.”

From a first goal in pre-season to a looming clash with Atletico and then Arsenal, the ramp is steep. Ait-Nouri has asked for a more attacking role. Now the coming weeks will show just how far he can push that evolution.