Despite the 2024/25 Premier League season being a stand-out for Rayan Ait-Nouri, the Wolves defender is more pleased about what he was able to provide to the team this year than personal accolades.
The Algerian played the most minutes for the Old Gold last season missing just one Premier League match, in what turned out to be Vitor Pereira’s first at the club, due to suspension and was rewarded by achieving five goals and seven assists – the highest attacking returns of his career to date.
But the 23-year-old, who is now one of the longest-serving players in Pereira’s squad having marked the end of his fifth season in gold and black, admits he is beginning to mature as a player, with his efforts away from the pitch aiding his increased contributions on it.
On an up and down 2024/25 season
“In the beginning, it was a little bit hard, and we passed some difficult moments, but after we did also some great games and we did something also that has never happened before in Wolves history with six wins in a row.
“But it was a little bit difficult in the beginning and we finished the season very well – it was like a normal season, really.
“To be honest, since the beginning of the season, we were very confident because we know the team, we know we have great players, also with Gary O'Neil, we had some amazing moments, and then after, when Vitor Pereira came, a new coach, he also did a very good job and he had a really good impact on the team.
“Although we did not start the season well, that’s us as players, I wouldn’t blame anyone but us, as it was our responsibility as players, but we also did very good things. But for me, I was confident since the beginning of the season because I know the quality of our players.”
On his best year of attacking returns at Wolves
“For me, I don’t look at the personal contribution, the most important thing is the team. I will work every time for the team, I will give everything for the team, because it’s the most important thing.
“When you give everything for the team, for the coach, for the fans, then you can look at your own good moments.
“This year, I had some good moments, but to be honest, the most important thing for me is the team, and we found a very good team. After, we have some good moments, so I'm happy. But the most important thing is the team and I’m happy for the team.”
On maturing as a player
“But I try to play my football, I try to be confident on the pitch and give everything for all of the people.
“I try to be professional outside of the pitch because the nutrition and how you sleep is important, and I’ve put a lot of effort into this kind of thing, so we can see this season that it’s helped as I played a lot of games. But it’s good also for me because I want to play every game. When the coach puts me on the pitch, I try to give everything and try to play my best football.”
On helping his French-speaking teammates
“When I arrived, I remember I was with Saiss and Boly, and also Adama Traore who could speak French, but now we have a lot of players who can speak French in the dressing room, and it’s good because sometimes you can speak in French and things are a little bit different.
“But we try to speak English to improve our English also, but it’s good because we’ve tried to help the new players so they can give everything on the pitch.
“I have tried to help. Whenever we have new players, I try to help because that is part of me, but it was a little bit easier because they speak French, but they have also been very good this season, so I’m very happy for them.”
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— Wolves (@Wolves) April 14, 2025
On international duty next
“I have some games with the national team and we will play some friendly games which will be good, and I will get a bit of change in the weather, go and get a bit of sunshine and I will try to enjoy a little bit with my family. After this season I’ve had, I need to rest."
