Rico Lewis can use Joao Cancelo predicament to his advantage at Man City

Since making his debut in Manchester City’s 4-0 home victory over Bournemouth in August, 18-year-old Rico Lewis has delighted Pep Guardiola with his emergence into first-team reckoning.

Lewis’s first start for City came in the Champions League against Sevilla, an occasion he marked with his only professional goal to date in a 3-1 win, and he has now amassed 16 appearances for the first team, including six Premier League starts.

Lewis has been used in both full-back positions as well as in central midfield by Guardiola, and he has looked a seasoned veteran wherever he has played with his composure and passing abilities which has turned heads.

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While Guardiola clearly trusts Lewis, the Englishman hasn't pinned down a regular place in the side in recent matches. Pep Guardiola has demonstrated in his time with City that academy players will get the opportunity to play first-team football, Phil Foden being a key example for the likes of Lewis and his peers.

So how can Rico Lewis make sure he succeeds, particularly at a club like City that are likely to turn to the transfer market if players aren’t up to the level Guardiola expects?

Something that will work in the youngster's favour is how versatile he has proved to be - being able to play multiple positions across defence and midfield is an asset not many players in Europe have. Lewis’ ability to excel within City’s midfield is arguably the most impressive aspect of his season, and to play in one of most functioning midfields of the modern era with the composure and prowess he has displayed a level of maturity is almost unheard of for a teenager.

Lewis has had no honeymoon period regarding the