Paul Dickov was left wowed by Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis earlier today against Bayern Munich.
City ran out 2-1 winners in their pre-season friendly with the German giants in Japan.
James McAtee opened the scoring for City in what was a fairly comfortable first-half.
Mathys Tel equalised for Bayern with 10 to go.
But Aymeric Laporte, on as a substitute at half-time, popped up to score a winner for City with about five minutes remaining.
It was another useful exercise for City, as they seek to enjoy another amazing season in 2023/24.
There were a few standout displays in the game.
But many people have been talking about Rico Lewis on social media since the game ended.
Paul Dickov hails Rico Lewis after his display against Bayern
Lewis put in a tremendous display today, and it was fascinating to watch him playing a bit higher up as a number eight.
At times he was popping up in the Kevin De Bruyne role.
He was instrumental in the first goal, running into space, fending off Dayot Upamecano before squaring for Julian Alvarez, with the ball eventually being turned in by McAtee.
Lewis showed for the ball constantly and was extremely neat and tidy on the ball.
It was easy to forget watching him that he is still only 18 years old, given the remarkable maturity and intelligence with which he plays.
At half-time, former City striker Dickov – on punditry duties for Matchday Live – said of the teenager: “I thought he was absolutely fantastic.
“We’ve seen him being a right-back moving into midfield, but not really starting in midfielder often. He made some really intelligent runs.
“We all know he’s such a good player. The confidence of him to take the ball off the back four. These runs here… three or four times he’s done it now.
“He’s picking his times to make the runs. More often than not he’s got the quality at the end of it.
Lewis was also hailed by former City man Steve Howey, who called him ‘outstanding’.
Rico Lewis is a gem
What a player Lewis is going to be in the future. What a player he already is.
It’s amazing to consider the level he is showing given his inexperience.
He has serious potential, and hopefully this season he is going to be able to build on 2022/23 in terms of minutes played.
He has shown he can easily play in this team.
At some point there will be injuries and a door will open for Lewis.
It’s on him to take the opportunities when they come with both hands.
