Pep Guardiola has said that Rico Lewis has been the catalyst behind Manchester City returning to their frightening best this season.
For a while, it seemed like City were simply having an off year after winning four out of the last five Premier League titles, whilst missing certain profiles in their squad that needed addressing come the summer.
However, as Manchester City find themselves in the hunt to win the treble, Pep Guardiola has credited Rico Lewis as the primary reason behind his side’s resurgence.
Pep Guardiola credits Rico Lewis for Manchester City turnaround
Branded as ‘unbelievable’ by Kyle Walker, the 18-year-old became City’s starting right-back but in an inverted role and shone.
While Lewis has lost his place since, he was a class apart in the role and looks set to become his boyhood club’s mainstay in the position for years to come.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that Rico Lewis set the blueprint for his side’s change of system that has led to their ascent.
“Many things good happened this season, and the team realised how they have to play; it’s thanks to Rico Lewis. Rico helps us to understand what you have to do to play better, and in the last 10 games he didn’t play much. Without Rico this season?”, he told Beanyman Sports.
Pep Guardiola continued to emphasise the impact of Rico Lewis on his Manchester City side, saying, “It would’ve been more difficult, the step we made as a team, I’m pretty convinced. Rico, with that movement, he makes the team fluid. After, Kyle [Walker] realised, and John [Stones] playing that position, by watching him. In that position, he’s exceptional.”
“But the other players have a lot of things that Rico doesn’t have; experience, and composure during the game. But this is how the team grows in many cases.”
MCN View: Rico Lewis deserves immense credit
Pep Guardiola is not being hyperbolic as the way the starlet operates as an inverted right-back is exactly how John Stones in particular has tried to do, allowing Manchester City to be more fluid and compact within their three-at-the-back setup.
If Lewis was perhaps as seasoned as some of his senior teammates, he would have had the position on lock already.
As the youngster gains more experience over time, he is destined to become a regular starter and potentially reach the very top.
