AliousWolves endured their 17th defeat of the season after falling to a 2-1 loss against Fulham on Tuesday, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone. Despite playing at Molineux, Vitor Pereira’s side failed to capitalize on their home advantage, missing an opportunity to secure valuable points. As a result, they remain in 17th place, just five points clear of the drop.
However, Wolves’ struggles extend beyond their inconsistent league form. Concerns are mounting over the physical demands placed on key players, with one star in particular finding it difficult to maintain peak performance over 90 minutes.
### Rayan Ait-Nouri’s Fitness Questioned Amid Wolves’ Intense System
Playing as a left wing-back in Pereira’s high-energy system requires relentless stamina, and few players have shouldered as much responsibility as Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Algerian has been a near ever-present figure this season, starting 26 Premier League matches and averaging 86 minutes per game.
Yet, Ait-Nouri’s ability to last the full match has come under scrutiny, particularly after his latest outing against Fulham. Some have noted that his performance tends to drop off in the latter stages, raising concerns about his endurance levels.
Wolves expert Liam Keen acknowledged this issue on the *E&S* podcast, admitting that while Ait-Nouri appeared to have improved his stamina, fatigue remains a concern.
“I thought he had turned a corner, but I have to agree—he does fade as the game wears on,” Keen said. “Fitness has been a talking point for multiple Wolves managers, though Vitor Pereira hasn’t explicitly addressed it in his press conferences. Still, it’s an area Wolves must improve.”
Given that Pereira’s tactical setup relies on high-intensity wing-backs and two attacking midfielders, improving Ait-Nouri’s physical durability should be a priority for the club.
### Lack of Defensive Depth Exposes Wolves’ Squad Weakness
The fact that one of Wolves’ most important players is struggling to complete matches is a major concern, especially considering the team’s lack of defensive depth. Currently, Ait-Nouri is the squad’s only natural left-sided wing-back, leaving him with little room for rest.
With fixtures continuing to pile up, the strain on Ait-Nouri is unlikely to ease anytime soon. While Pereira focused on strengthening the defense by signing two center-backs and a defensive midfielder in January, Wolves fans were also hoping for reinforcements at full-back.
The club was linked with Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia, but talks never progressed, and no other left-back came close to joining. As a result, Ait-Nouri remains Wolves’ only specialist in the position, forcing him to carry the workload alone.
This glaring squad imbalance must be addressed in the summer transfer window. If Wolves are to maintain their demanding playing style without compromising player fitness, signing a capable backup for Ait-Nouri is imperative.
Alious
