Manchester City’s Recent Struggles and Tactical Hope
Manchester City have endured a challenging spell, losing their last four matches across all competitions—a record-breaking low for a side managed by Pep Guardiola. Following their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, Guardiola admitted the international break arrived at a crucial moment.
Despite this turbulent period, some of City’s players have used the break to showcase their abilities on the international stage. One standout performance could offer Guardiola a fresh tactical advantage as domestic football resumes.
Rico Lewis Shines for England in Nations League Victory
Rico Lewis, one of two City players in the England squad, delivered a flawless performance during England’s 3-0 win over Greece. The 19-year-old completed the full 90 minutes, recording 100% passing accuracy with 38 successful passes from 55 touches—making him the only starting XI player to achieve this feat.
In addition to his impeccable passing, Lewis dominated defensively, winning all four ground duels, registering three clearances, and making two tackles. Offensively, he even managed a shot on target. His efforts earned him a 7.7/10 rating on SofaScore, the joint third-highest among England players, and widespread praise from the English media.
A New Tactical Option for Guardiola
Lewis showcased his versatility by playing as a left-back in the first half and switching to the right flank in the second. This adaptability could prove invaluable to Guardiola, especially given City’s current defensive challenges.
With Nathan Ake sidelined due to injury and Josko Gvardiol frequently filling in on the left, deploying Lewis in that position could provide Guardiola the flexibility to rotate his backline more effectively during the demanding season ahead.
As Guardiola looks to navigate City out of their slump, Lewis’s performance might offer the tactical boost they desperately need. “Rico Lewis showed he can thrive under pressure,” analysts noted, positioning him as a key figure for club and country.
