The 2024/25 campaign has turned into a breakout season for Nico O’Reilly at Man City.
The 20-year-old featured in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup and the Champions League group phase; however, Man City’s FA Cup win over Bournemouth at the end of March changed everything for the youngster.
The English talent was brought off the bench with O’Reilly being told by Guardiola to make runs in behind, and having assisted both goals in the 2-1 win, the midfielder has been in the Man City team ever since at left-back.
Tim Sherwood thinks O’Reilly has everything to be a top player in the Premier League, and although it remains uncertain if the player will remain as a left-back, the Man City talent has shared who has been helping him adjust to his new role in training.
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Josko Gvardiol has been helping Nico O’Reilly at Man City
Pep Guardiola believes Josko Gvardiol has been Man City’s most important player this season as the Croatian star has been very consistent at both left-back and centre-back.
With O’Reilly taking over the left-back role from the Croatian star, the 20-year-old has now revealed that the £77.6m star has been helping him adapt to the position in training, which has been evident on a matchday.
“If I get something wrong in training positionally, Pep will stop it, go through it with me and let me know what I need to do,” O’Reilly told ManCity.com when asked about how he is adapting to his new left-back role.
“That has helped me a lot. Also speaking to the likes of Josko, who has been playing there all season, he has helped me a lot because he has been next to me every game and always talking to me.
“I think the staff, Josko and Ruben have helped. Ruben is a big leader in the team and he leads the back line, so I am always listening to his information.
“I had to get used to the defending side as well because being in the back line was not something I was used to. As it has gone on, I have learnt a lot and still have got a lot to learn as well. I have enjoyed it and it’s good to have a bit of versatility.”
Although O’Reilly has been a big success in defence, that is not the long-term plan Guardiola has for the 20-year-old, as Man City are keen to sign a left-back this summer.
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Pep Guardiola’s long-term plan for Nico O’Reilly
Despite being a natural attacking midfielder, Guardiola’s long-term plan for O’Reilly is to play the 20-year-old as a number six with the view of the English talent taking over from Rodri further down the line.
The youngster is believed not to be too happy about this, however, the midfielder will not mind once he continues to be named in City’s starting team.
Man City fans have already been impressed with O’Reilly as they can see that they have a top talent on their hands.
The last few weeks have been huge for the career of the youngster, and it is scary to think how good the player can be next season with a full pre-season to prepare for the 2025/26 campaign, whether his role is at left-back or in midfield.
