Nico O’Reilly has emerged as one of the unexpected stars of Manchester City’s summer tour, catching the eye of Pep Guardiola and fans alike.
While Oscar Bobb may have dazzled as City’s pre-season standout, it’s O’Reilly who has been the real revelation. The 19-year-old, who had initially not expected to see much action under Guardiola, has already made significant contributions, including scoring against Barcelona and starting in the Community Shield against Manchester United.
Guardiola’s praise for O’Reilly underscores the potential the young midfielder has shown. His journey from the academy, where he has been since the Under-9s alongside players like Rico Lewis, has been marked by both promise and adversity. A frustrating year of injuries following a stellar finish to the Under-18s season kept him from reaching his full potential last year.
Under-21s coach Ben Wilkinson reflected on O’Reilly’s progress, noting, “Last season was a real disappointment for him because he finished the previous season strongly, but injuries hindered his development. Staying fit and showcasing his talent are crucial, and he’s done very well so far.”
Wilkinson continued, “The manager has trusted him in various positions, and his ceiling is incredibly high. His tactical intelligence and technical skill are impressive, and he’s physically growing into a top-class midfielder. Guardiola’s faith in him during the tour has been significant.”
Most of O’Reilly’s appearances this summer have seen him play in a more defensive role than usual, a departure from his typical position as an advanced midfielder. Guardiola has even hinted that O’Reilly might be a potential option if the club decides against signing additional cover for Rodri.
Guardiola’s decision to pair O’Reilly with Mateo Kovacic in the Community Shield against United highlights the trust he’s placing in the young talent, even if the match didn’t showcase O’Reilly at his best. Guardiola remarked, “He will improve. It’s normal for a young player in his first official game. He’s shown he’s clever and capable, and though he missed some passes, it’s understandable. It’s a valuable experience for him.”
Versatility has sometimes been a double-edged sword for young players at City, but Guardiola views it as a positive trait. Just as Phil Foden adapted to various roles, O’Reilly’s ability to excel in multiple positions may play to his advantage. Wilkinson added, “Historically, O’Reilly has played as an 8 or 10, but he’s shown he can be effective as a 6 and even as a false nine. His versatility will serve him well in his development and with the manager.”
As O’Reilly continues to impress, his adaptability and growth could well see him secure a more permanent spot in City’s first-team plans for the season ahead.
