Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, recently highlighted the unique qualities that young player Rico Lewis brings to the squad after his impressive performances at the start of the season.
Guardiola noted that Lewis, just 19 years old, possesses a rare quality that has been difficult to find in players for many years. Lewis has been exceptional in the opening matches of the Premier League season, helping City secure victories in all three of their games leading up to the international break. His strong performances have earned him a call-up to the England senior squad.
Primarily a right-back, Lewis has been given the freedom to push forward and move into attacking midfield positions, which he handles with ease. His integration into the team has been so smooth that there hasn’t been a need to rush Kyle Walker back into action after his summer commitments at the Euros. While Guardiola has indicated that Walker will eventually return to the lineup, he is so impressed with Lewis’s capabilities that the young player may keep his spot for the foreseeable future.
“Have you seen the minutes he played in the pockets when Kyle came in? Rico has one incredible ability that for many years was difficult to find: always he is free,” Guardiola remarked.
“He is always alone. Whenever his mate has the ball, I don’t know what he does but he is free. You can pass the ball to him and not just in a comfortable position but where the spaces are so tight.”
Guardiola went on to praise Lewis’s versatility, noting that he can operate in several positions and contributes significantly both in defense and attack. “He arrives in the final third, he is a good defender, he gives continuity, he can play in two or three positions. He’s playing well so he deserves to play.”
However, Guardiola also acknowledged the demands of the season and the need for rotation, emphasizing that Lewis cannot be expected to play every match. “But every three days he cannot sustain that, we need Kyle back, John [Stones] back and all the players ready because of the schedule that comes now until the end of the season. Pre-season is officially over, the real season starts after the international break.”
