There are not many things to be positive about at Manchester City this season.
Phil Foden believes that Pep Guardiola’s men have struggled as a result of fighting at the highest level for many years and that it was naturally going to catch up with them both mentally and physically at some stage.
This has left Man City fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League, while the FA Cup is still on the table for the Premier League champions, with this week proving crucial to both goals.
Guardiola believes Champions League qualification should not be taken for granted and although the legendary coach is trying to find positives in this, Man City genuinely have unearthed a big hope from the campaign in the form of one talented youngster.
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Nico O’Reilly can become a ‘top-drawer’ player at Man City
Nico O’Reilly starred from the bench in Man City’s win over Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the end of March with the 20-year-old assisting both goals in the 2-1 win.
This has resulted in Guardiola keeping the youngster in his team with O’Reilly shining again vs Crystal Palace, before the Man City talent scored the winner against Everton at the weekend.
Tim Sherwood believes City have another top talent on their hands, with the pundit stating that O’Reilly has the potential to become a ‘top-drawer’ player under Guardiola’s watch.
“I really do, he’s a 10 as a kid, he came through as a 10, he’s an eight or a 10 in the midfield areas,” Sherwood said on Optus Sports’ The Weekend Wrap about O’Reilly.
“He’s getting the chance to play with world-class players, it’s brilliant for him. He’s soaking in all of the information, he’s 6 ft 3 or 6 ft 4, he has the pace, he can handle the ball, he has all of the ingredients to be a top-drawer player, and he’s learning from the best manager in the world.”
Guardiola has been using O’Reilly as a left-back in recent weeks but with Man City linked to Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, it remains to be seen where the 20-year-old will be deployed next season.
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What is Nico O’Reilly’s future at Man City
Man City fans have shown plenty of support to O’Reilly in recent weeks as it becomes clear that Guardiola is also a big fan of the youngster.
This summer is set to be a big one for the Manchester club and with Man City keen on bringing Florian Wirtz to the Etihad Stadium, as well as a left-back, it remains to be seen where O’Reilly will be used throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
The Englishman’s versatility will stand to him when it comes to receiving minutes next season, but despite his development, the 20-year-old is unlikely to start for City should they successfully bring in all of their top targets.
Long-term, the midfielder could be seen as Rodri’s successor, but fans of the Manchester club are in no rush to see the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner moved on anytime soon.
