Pep Guardiola has given his take on how Rico Lewis has done so far in the Man City first-team, ahead of his side’s clash against Arsenal.
So far, the 18-year-old has become a regular starter at his boyhood club, keeping out senior professionals such as Kyle Walker and now the on-loan Joao Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola seems to be clearly fond of Rico Lewis, especially due to how comfortable he is an inverted right-back; a role he could occupy against Arsenal for Man City on Wednesday as well.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola gives Rico Lewis verdict ahead of Arsenal clash
The teenager has impressed to such an incredible extent that it has been reported that he is consideration for a senior call-up to the England side.
However, Pep Guardiola has now discussed Rico Lewis, as Man City prepare to face Arsenal mid-week, as relayed by City Xtra, saying, “With Rico, I don’t have to say many things, but he reads it. He reads when to jump and when to wait, how he jumps when he looks at the central defender, always closing the gap to the central defender. He’s a guy who always plays good in small spaces.”
“I didn’t teach him that. It comes from him. Of course, you also have to correct, you have to improve, he is 18 years old, but there are players with whom you need to spend more time.”
“They might be good in one department but you end up thinking, ‘Maybe I was wrong asking him to do that.’ After a while, you realise he can’t do it. It’s a process. Players arrive, we achieve something, you drop them. It is a continuous process.”
“The fact he played games from eight years old is the best investment. If we went to the market, how much would it cost to get Phil Foden? A lot of money. This is what is the best for the academy. The same with Rico Lewis.”
As Man City prepare to face Arsenal, the takeaway is that while Pep Guardiola adores Rico Lewis, he still thinks his game has some room for improvement, which is only natural for a teen talent like him.
