One of the most exciting facets of this Manchester City side is that amidst this great team, several of their youngsters look set to play a major role.
For instance, Ben Foster praised Savinho for being an instant fit into this City side.
If not for the Brazilian’s latest knock, he could have been in line for a third start in a row during Manchester City’s 3-1 win against West Ham United.
Recently, Pep Guardiola guaranteed James McAtee will get minutes this season.
The 22-year-old Jeremy Doku has started every game for Pep Guardiola’s men this campaign as well.
The £378,846-a-week manager is not hesitating from giving young players chances despite his side gunning for a fifth Premier League title in a row.
But another young player has raised the roof at the Etihad Stadium.
Robbie Earle left blown away by Man City’s Rico Lewis
Rico Lewis, however, seems to be the most important player out of all the youngsters at Manchester City’s disposal.
Perhaps the Englishman’s superior experience to the rest is also a reason why — considering it was recently revealed by The Athletic that no teenager has played as many league minutes under Pep Guardiola in his managerial career than him.
The 19-year-old’s impressive showings have earned him a place in Lee Carsley’s England squad for their Nations League games against Ireland and Finland — indicating how well he has played this season.
According to FbRef, only three other outfield players at City have played every minute of their three league games against Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham; Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.
Robbie Earle was full of praise for Lewis on NBC Sports’ The 2 Robbies Podcast.
“The Rico Lewis in midfield, he could win my underappreciated [player of the week], he was very close. I mean, he’s been incredible, mate.”
“To the point where Pep’s [Guardiola] not stupid enough to go, Kyle Walker, you’re done because Kyle Walker is going to be important on days and certain periods.”
“But I’m telling you, this kid is the future, he’s the absolute future.”
Gabby Agbonlahor also hailed Lewis and stated that he could have a “big career ahead of him.”
- READ MORE: Who is Rico Lewis? The Man City prodigy who is one of the best Pep Guardiola has ever trained
Rico Lewis is the present and the future of Man City
The Bury-born technician is well and truly the present and the future of Manchester City.
Currently, it would not be far-fetched to suggest that Lewis could be City’s best right-back, especially wen assessing his overall game.
The Sky Blues academy graduate is not just a reliable defender but extremely tactically versatile, brilliant in possession and capable of helping his side dominate the game wherever he is on the pitch; perhaps traits one would not associate with Walker nowadays, who is more of a traditional, defensive right-back.
Just being 19, Lewis is also the future of this Manchester City side based on his excellent performances over the years, his age and his tremendous potential as a player.
If the Manchester City defender puts his head down and continues to make strides as a player, he could be his boyhood club’s starting right-back for years to come.
How Lewis’ career pans out will be interesting to see but the signs only point towards big things.
