Pep Guardiola: Rico Lewis Is One Of The Best Players I Have Ever Trained

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City's young player, Rico Lewis, as one of the best players he has trained as a manager. This was made after Lewis' brilliant performance in City's 3-1 win against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Wednesday, October 4 in the morning.

Rico Lewis, who is basically a defender, has shown his flexibility since he first joined Guardiola's first team last season. Finally, he was given the opportunity to appear as a midfielder with Rodri at the Red Bull Arena.

The 18-year-old played a major role in City's opener, collaborating with Bernardo Silva on the right before releasing a cross that was perfectly received by fellow academy product, Phil Foden, who scored with spectacular finishing.

Leipzig equalized just three minutes after the second half started through Lois Openda, but the final goals from Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku were two inspiring substitutes from Guardiola helping City to get the top three points and return to winning ways after two consecutive domestic defeats.

Pep has a lot of love for Rico! 🩵⚪ 1-3 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/DnpSGNj5B3

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 4, 2023

Pep has a lot of love for Rico! 1-3 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/DnpSGNj5B3

While Alvarez and Doku's impact is important for City's success, Lewis is the best 90-minute performer for the visitors. He contributes on both sides of the pitch and shows his composure and class when he has the ball.

After the match, Guardiola gave great praise to the young player and believed Lewis was among the best he had ever trained. "What a great player. 18 years. I have been a manager for 14, 15 years training outstanding players," said Pep, in an interview with TNT Sports.

"He is a humble player, doesn't talk much, but is appreciated by all his teammates. He hasn't played much this season - last season he was the key point and helped us understand what we have to do in building attacks. Today is proof again. This season he doesn't play much, but he will play a lot, "said Pep.

"He did his job brilliantly to return the ball to me. Two academy players collaborated, a good thing to look at," said Phil Foden, who was named Man of the Match, while praising Lewis' performance against Leipzig.

Rico Lewis has only appeared as the second starter in the Champions League against Leipzig since making his full European debut against Sevilla in November last year. At that time he was City's youngest goalscorer in the competition and the youngest player to score in his first appearance in the European elite club tournament.

The young player has made a total of 29 senior appearances for City in all competitions, including six appearances this season. He has the opportunity to maintain his place in the starting lineup as City returns to action in the Premier League against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 8.