Glenn Hoddle raved about Manchester City wonderkid Rico Lewis ahead of the visitors’ 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The pundit had his say on the 18-year-old on City’s official YouTube channel during the club’s matchday programme ahead of the clash.
Glenn Hoddle showers Rico Lewis with praise
Since breaking into his boyhood club’s first-team last season, the highly-rated defender has proven that he is quite a unique talent.
Gareth Southgate seems to realise the same as it was reported on Monday that the youngster looks set to earn his first senior England call-up.
Glenn Hoddle has detailed why Rico Lewis is well and truly a special young player.
“To be 18 and to be put into that midfield area straightway, Pep [Guardiola] must have seen something in him that he would trust he could do it and he’s now going to get better and better”, Hoddle said on Manchester City’s official matchday programme on Sunday.
“When he plays as a full-back and goes out wide, it must be a doddle for him; he’s only got the linesman behind him!”
Glenn Hoddle also emphasised how impressive it is that Rico Lewis is as versatile as he is.
“It’s not only about playing in different positions, it’s the quality he gives you when he plays in those positions. He’s a nine out of 10 every game. You’re normally waiting for a 28-year-old for that but he’s got such consistency, it’s quite incredible.”
Rico Lewis could reach the very top in several different positions
Glenn Hoddle is spot on and touching on Rico Lewis’ versatility, it is interesting how one could easily foresee him becoming a world-class player in several different positions.
At right-back, the Englishman has shown that he is well capable of playing an inverted role as well as fulfilling more traditional responsibilities.
Defensively, Lewis perhaps has some room for improvement but that could come with time and his physical maturation.
In midfield as well, Rico Lewis has showcased how he looks right at home in a double pivot, operating as a controller.
But in an advanced role, such as against RB Leipzig this term, he has arguably seemed at his finest, highlighting how the treble-winner could reach the absolute top of the game in multiple positions.
