There were plenty of positives to take for Manchester City after their 3-0 triumph against Palermo, as they clinched the Anglo Palermitan Trophy.
One of them was Tijjani Reijnders’ brace, praised by Pep Guardiola as he played a starring role in City’s win.
Oscar Bobb described Rayan Cherki as “world-class”, who also looked the part against the Italian side.
However, Manchester City fans were quick to point out how sensational Rico Lewis was against Palermo, as they demanded Pep Guardiola to permanently turn him into a midfielder.
Man City fans desperate for Rico Lewis to play in midfield after impressing vs Palermo
One Manchester City fan explained why Lewis, who played as an inverted right-back against Palermo must play in midfield next season: “Rico Lewis is a tempo-setter. Give him the ball in any scenario and you know that the rhythm of passing is safe. I can’t wait for him to fully play midfield.”
A second City supporter claimed that the 20-year-old’s potential is being stunted by Pep Guardiola as he deploys him away from the middle of the park, claiming: “We are ruining him by playing him as a full-back This guy is easily our best midfielder after Rodri and Reijnders.”
A third Manchester City fan sent a message to Lewis by informing the youngster that he is an excellent midfielder, writing: “Rico Lewis. You’re a brilliant midfielder. You can’t allow Pep to keep chucking you at RB [right-back].”
Another Sky Blues supporter claimed that the wonderkid ran the show from central areas, stating: “Rico Lewis and Cherki were running that midfield. Nico G [Gonzalez] still under construction but a good ball-winner there. Nico O’Reilly still doesn’t know how to turn and use both feet.”
A fifth City fan claimed that considering Lewis is a midfielder by trade, that is where he should continue playing: “Great performance from Rico! He’s a natural [number] eight, man. Amazing in those small spaces.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan broke down how Lewis’ technical and tactical proficiency justifies his place in midfield after analysing his display against Palermo: “Rico Lewis has a role to play this season in our midfield (versatility/tactical understanding). He’s one of those intelligent players who lifts the level of those around him: simplifying build-up play/s, offering clean positional rotations and making high-pressure phases more manageable. His reading of the game is sharp and his physical development looks good IMO [in my opinion].”
With the 2025/2026 season on the horizon, the Englishman must be feeling on top of the world after his latest heroics.
Rico Lewis stats for Man City vs Palermo
Pep Guardiola referred to Lewis as “amazing” and Manchester City fans will certainly not have any question marks about how highly their legendary manager rates him — with his display against Palermo perhaps further strengthening his belief in the versatile technician.
The stats further justify why the supporters may have a point about the two-time Premier League winner being suited to thrive in midfield.
| RICO LEWIS STATS VS PALERMO | |
| ASSISTS | 1 |
| ACCURATE PASSES | 39/43 (91%) |
| TOUCHES | 48 |
| PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD | 4 |
| DUELS WON | 1/1 |
Grabbing an assist for Erling Haaland’s opener, completing 39 out of his 43 attempted passes, playing four of them into the final third while taking 48 touches against Palermo, Lewis well and truly had a nigh-on flawless games.
Winning one duel in the process as well, the Manchester City academy graduate has made a case for starting against Wolves and potentially as a midfielder.
