“Better than Diogo Jota” Pundit claim Wolves underrated star now outdoing Liverpools Jota ever since the arrival of Gary O’Neils.
Wolves faced an uphill battle ahead of the 2024/25 season, as they were given a tough fixture list. In their first eight matches, Gary O’Neil’s team had to take on six of the top seven teams from last season, highlighting the significant challenges the Midlands club has had to overcome.
With just one point and sitting at the bottom of the table, Wolves have a long way to go to steer clear of a relegation battle. However, they have the talent at Molineux to make it possible.
**Rayan Ait-Nouri outshining Diogo Jota**
O’Neil is fortunate to have key players to rely on as he looks to turn things around, with several high-quality talents at his disposal. One standout player under O’Neil has been Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has carried on his impressive form from last season.
While the defender had a challenging start to the campaign, he has since grown into his role despite Wolves’ struggles. The statistics reveal just how crucial Ait-Nouri’s versatility has been this season. The Algerian left-back has created seven more chances in the Premier League than Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, a former fan favorite at Molineux.
O’Neil has a hidden weapon in Ait-Nouri, who can inject energy into Wolves’ attack while also being a reliable defender. The 23-year-old, signed for £10m, is proving to be a key asset on both ends of the pitch.
**Gary O’Neil’s tactical adjustments benefit Ait-Nouri**
At the beginning of the season, Ait-Nouri, like many Wolves players, struggled to adapt to O’Neil’s decision to shift to a back four. Having played as a wing-back last season, transitioning to a more defensive left-back role proved difficult.
This shift didn’t just affect Ait-Nouri but impacted Wolves’ overall performance, as the team thrives when the Algerian is freed from defensive responsibilities. The numbers suggest it would be a waste to limit Ait-Nouri to a deeper role, as he is more naturally suited to playing as a wing-back in a back five.