Nedum Onuoha has claimed that Rico Lewis has become so important for Manchester City.
The Englishman has found himself in the starting XI in some of City’s biggest games of the season so far including five of their six Champions League group games.
Having then found himself starting against Fluminense in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, this then led to one pundit and former City player sharing his thoughts on the player and how he is utilised in the team.
Onuoha says Lewis is vital for City
Speaking in a livestream from the club’s official YouTube account ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final, Onuoha had this to say about Lewis and his midfield role.
He says: “I think it shows his versatility but it also shows his ability, his adaptability and his understanding for the game because for every time he plays in a midfield area, the manager would expect certain things from him. And I think each game itself is actually quite different.
“I think his adaptability makes him so invaluable for this team because he can play full-back but he can also play in six, play in eight, and to have that sort of ability at that age to be playing in a side that is potentially the best club in the world, I think it says a lot about him and his position.”
Whilst predominantly a right-back, the 19-year-old has been used by Pep Guardiola in a midfield position on numerous occasions this season.
Having played more minutes (458) than any other City player in the Champions League so far this season, the Englishman has racked up the second-highest total of key passes in the squad (12) as well as the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (9).
This shows how effective the teenager can be in and out of possession all over the pitch, which makes it easy to see why Onuoha thinks he has become so important for the team.
Moving forward, if Lewis keeps getting the chance to play in big games and is able to play well on a consistent basis, he should find himself on the end of even more praise.
