Pep Guardiola predicts Rico Lewis to star in difficult Man City role

Pep Guardiola believes Rico Lewis has the quality to play higher up the pitch for Manchester City in the middle.

Lewis, 18, has been a breakout star of the squad this season, storming into contention since the World Cup break as a full-back capable of seamlessly moving inside to play alongside Rodri. The teenager has successfully kept experienced internationals Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker out of the first team, and his start at Bournemouth signalled the value Guardiola continues to see in him.

As well as playing a significant role in the first goal, Lewis starred throughout the 4-1 win in both defence and attack to further underline his promise in the team. So impressed was the City manager that he believes that Lewis is capable of playing in the No.8 and No.10 positions that are currently perfected at the club by Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan.

Also read: Man City silence critics three times in 45 minutes at Bournemouth

"Playing there is a special position," said Guardiola. "One player can play like a fullback inside, a holding midfielder can play No.10.

"After there are players not with the quality to play there and have to play wide. That's why when I put Rico at No.8 and No.10 I'm sure he can do it.

"Rico at the end can play an 8. For the fourth goal he moves perfectly in the pockets, Phil has the ball and how he attacks the byline in the crosses. I'm pretty sure in the future he can play there many, many games."

The win at Bournemouth keeps City two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table, albeit having played one game more than Mikel Arteta's side.

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