Manchester City strengthened their credentials for the Champions League after beating Sevilla 3-1 in their final group game. The club now await the results of the Round of 16 draw that will take place on November 7 (Monday). And one player who caught the eye in the match was 17-year-old Rico Lewis. The right-back was making his second Champions League appearance and marked the occasion with a well-taken goal.
Rico Lewis’ impressive performances come when the team is light in the right-back position following Kyle Walker’s injury. His rise also shows the strength of the City’s youth system. In fact, against Sevilla, the starting 11 included Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Lewis, all of whom came through the academy.
His rise has been incredible. You are one of the best young players if City consider you for their starting XI at 17. Manchester City already have an impressive deputy at left-back in Sergio Gomez and would love it if Lewis could replicate him on the other flank.
So, who is Rico Lewis, and how good is he?
How good is Rico Lewis?
Rico Mark Lewis was born on November 21, 2004, in Bury, England and just like Palmer and Foden started his footballing career at City. He joined the academy aged eight and has stayed at the club ever since. Lewis made him through the various youth levels but first came into the spotlight when he made his debut for City’s under-18 team in September 2020, aged 15.
Lewis would make four appearances before becoming an integral part of the team the following season. He was named captain and would make 21 appearances in the league scoring three goals and providing two assists in the league. City would win the league by scoring the most and conceding the least goals.
His performance would not go unnoticed, as he was invited to several training sessions with the first team. While earlier, it was expected that he would not be called to the first team for another season, Kyle Walker’s injury changed all that. As a result, Joao Cancelo had to play right-back, not his natural position, which was evident in his performances against Liverpool. Even John Stones had deputised in Walker’s absence at the right flank.
With Lewis’ rise, Guardiola now has an option at least for cup matches and league games against weaker rivals. While he may be sparsely used this season, the experience he will…
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