After Manchester City beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola lavished praise upon Rico Lewis.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he was quizzed about the 18-year-old’s display as an advanced midfielder at the Red Bull Arena.
Pep Guardiola went on to claim that Rico Lewis is one of the best players he has ever seen in tight spaces after Manchester City defeated RB Leipzig.
Pep Guardiola says Rico Lewis is ‘one of the best’ he’s ever coached after Manchester City beat RB Leipzig
Branded as ‘exceptional’ by the Spaniard, the teenager was simply unplayable in the middle of the park.
Setting up Phil Foden’s opener whilst exhibiting his technical mastery, ability to drive with the ball and pick up smart positions, the Englishman’s performance was a sight to behold.
After Manchester City maintained top spot in their Champions League group by beating RB Leipzig, Pep Guardiola could not help but sing Rico Lewis’ praises.
“He played good, huh? What a player. What a player. 18 years old. I’ve been a manager for 14-15 years, training unbelievable players, to find a player like him in the pockets, how he has to move, moving into the spaces, he’s one of the best I ever trained”, he said.
“Wow! He’s an amazing, outstanding player… He’s just 18-years-old, has a huge personality, can play in four or five positions, he’s not scared, his defending is really good…He’s a fantastic player.”
Rico Lewis’ future is in that advanced midfield spot
As Manchester City boy-wonder Rico Lewis showed Pep Guardiola against RB Leipzig, it is in that advanced midfield berth where he is at his absolute best.
The youngster’s ability to find space, manoeuvre himself and the ball out of tight pockets and create chances makes him perfect for the role.
A player of his technical ability should play in a more attacking role in the future as Lewis has shown signs that he can both play the perfect final ball and dictate proceedings when needed, which makes him such an intelligent midfielder.
