Rico Lewis would be delighted that Pep Guardiola is handing him the chance to start week in, week out for Manchester City this season.
Lewis will presumably be aware that once Kyle Walker is deemed fully match-fit, he will have a tough time keeping him out of the starting line-up.
But as things stand, the £25,000-a-week man has grabbed his chances with both hands.
Pep Guardiola lauded Lewis’ display and hailed him as an “exceptional player” as Manchester City dismantled Ipswich Town 4-1 on Saturday.
The 19-year-old will be hoping to keep his place in City’s side against West Ham United.
Against Ipswich, the youngster was one of his side’s best players yet again.
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Savinho hails Man City teammate after Ipswich Town victory
Lewis was a constant threat against Kieran McKenna’s side — as he seems to be playing three roles for the Sky Blues simultaneously; as an inverted right-back, as a traditional full-back out wide and positioned alongside Bernardo Silva as one of the two attacking midfielders.
Yet, it seems like the Englishman seems right at home in such a multifunctional role.
As per Sofascore, the Bury-born defender was not dribbled past even once, he completed 88% of his passes (61 out of 68) and won six out of his nine ground duels.
Some of the Sky Blues academy graduate’s positioning and movement at the Etihad Stadium was reflective of how intelligent a player he is.
Savinho was impressed with how Lewis fared as he commented on his post-match Instagram post to celebrate Manchester City defeating Ipswich.
The Brazilian wrote: “Top craque (translated to great player in Portuguese).”
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Signs of a growing partnership between Savinho and Rico Lewis
Against both Chelsea and Ipswich, there were signs of a growing partnership between Savinho and Lewis.
Both players seem to be on the same wavelength — playing quick one-two’s and making runs in behind for the other to find them the opposition defence through a pass.
Lewis and Savinho are both blessed with brilliant technique and smart decision-making qualities.
As a result, it seemed difficult for the Ipswich defenders to gauge their intentions and keep the pair quiet.
Pep Guardiola would be excited by the prospect of the pair learning even more about each other as players on the pitch as they train and play more in the coming weeks and months.
