Former Arsenal star gives verdict on Man City ace Rico Lewis and issues warning

Former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon is backing Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis to have another impressive season at the Etihad Stadium.

The right-back, who will turn 19 later this year, burst onto the scene last season, making 23 appearances in all competitions. He also netted his first City goal on his first Champions League start, becoming the youngest player in the competition's history to score on his first start in the tournament.

Following that strike against Sevilla last November, Lewis continued to go from strength to strength, producing a series of eye-catching performances at right-back. Aligned with manager Pep Guardiola's vision, the youngster moved inside the pitch when City had the ball and operated as a central midfielder, helping to create a midfield overload.

He adapted to the role superbly, meaning he demonstrated his high levels of versatility. He made 14 Premier League appearances in total last term, starting four of City's last five league games.

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Amid the ongoing uncertainty that surrounds Kyle Walker's future at the Etihad Stadium this summer, more opportunities could present themselves for Lewis this term. But despite being excited by his potential, Dixon, who was a right-back himself, is questioning whether Lewis risks getting found out defensively operating in a Guardiola-type system.

"Rico Lewis at City is intriguing to me because he's a full-back, but he's been pushed into that inverted place that Pep places his full-backs," Dixon told Sky Bet. "Kyle Walker, is he staying? Is he leaving? – so there's a place for him [Pep] to manipulate Lewis into that team more often.

The Manchester Evening News are