After Manchester City defeated Young Boys 3-1 in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola lavished praise upon Rico Lewis.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the contest, the Spaniard was quizzed about the 18-year-old’s display in Bern.
As per usual, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola lauded Rico Lewis after his side’s victory against Young Boys.
Pep Guardiola raves about ‘master’ Rico Lewis after Manchester City beat Young Boys
Branded as ‘exceptional’ by Guardiola himself, the teenager operated as a right-back off the ball whilst drifting into midfield when the visitors were in possession.
Once again, Lewis’ technical proficiency was on display as he drove with the ball with aplomb, took tons of responsibility in possession and was as press-resistant as ever.
When Pep Guardiola was quizzed about his thoughts on Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis’ performance against Young Boys, all he could do is sing his praises.
“Today, he played more in the position he plays, so full-back. He come inside and in that position, he’s a master, so intelligent”, he beamed after the game.
Rico Lewis’ future lies in midfield
While Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is right in lauding Rico Lewis, perhaps one flaw in his performance was for Young Boys’ opener, as his decision to play the offside trap backfired.
Of course, Lewis is still extremely young and mistakes will be a part of his game.
But it is also worth pinpointing that while the Bury-born technician is excellent as a right-back, his finest moments emerge in the middle of the park.
In fact, so far in his career, Rico Lewis’ best performances have also come in midfield; for instance, his display against RB Leipzig this season is perhaps the best he has ever played at senior level.
As a result, one cannot help but shake the feeling that Lewis’ long-term future lies in midfield, whether that be as a classic No.8 or in advanced midfield.
Rico Lewis’ sublime technical security, comfortability in tight spaces and eye for a pass are at the level where he should be converted into a midfielder on a permanent basis in years to come.
