Rico Lewis has already played a lot of football this season for Manchester City.
The youngster was able to benefit from the late return of Kyle Walker to the club in the summer after his exploits for England at Euro 2024.
Manchester City fans knew Lewis was knocking on the door for opportunities, having been impressive in his first two seasons in the first-team.
But Lewis came into the side at the start of the current season and has been one of the standout performers.
Just in recent weeks, his level has dipped a little. But this can perhaps be put down to an unsustainable workload. Given all the injuries City have had, Lewis has featured heavily.
And Manchester City News now looks at just how heavily he has featured compared to the same stage last season.
Rico Lewis’ minutes have absolutely shot up for Man City this season
So far this term, Lewis has actually played the most minutes of any Manchester City player across all competitions.
He’s played 1403 minutes, which puts him top of the pile with Erling Haaland right on his tail having played one minute less.
Josko Gvardiol is third with 1366 minutes played, then it’s Ederson in fourth with 1260. Completing the top five is Manuel Akanji with 1203.
| Most involved Man City players this season by minutes played |
| 1. Rico Lewis – 1403 |
| 2. Erling Haaland – 1402 |
| 3. Josko Gvardiol – 1366 |
| 4. Ederson – 1260 |
| 5. Manuel Akanji – 1203 |
Lewis’ total of 1403 is huge, and the youngster has actually almost played as many minutes as he managed in the whole of last season – 1608.
But how do Lewis’ minutes compare to the same stage last season?
Today is November 19 and Manchester City have played 18 games so far in 2024/25, including the Community Shield.
Exactly one year ago, Manchester City had played 19 games and Lewis’ total minutes for the club were just 535.
- READ MORE: Who is Rico Lewis? The Man City prodigy who is one of the best Pep Guardiola has ever trained
Rico Lewis has the trust of Pep Guardiola
The door swung open for Lewis ahead of this season, and he has grabbed his opportunities with both hands. To go from just 535 minutes to 1403 this term is a huge jump.
It’s hard to believe Lewis is still only 19 as he plays the game in such an impressively mature way. He gives off the impression that he’s much older than that when you see how at home he is on the pitch surrounded by such top players.
It’s clear to see at this point how much Guardiola loves Lewis and trusts him to carry out tactical instructions. Injury problems for City have likely helped him to play more, but there’s no doubt he’s deserved every single one of those minutes.
Guardiola recently stated that Lewis can play anywhere on the pitch, describing him as ‘so smart’.
Guardiola has also branded Lewis one of the best players he’s ever trained (via Independent).
It’s possible that Lewis could go on to become one of the best players Guardiola’s ever produced, if he continues to work hard and stay fit. because the natural talent is there.
