Pep Guardiola has praised the intelligence of Rico Lewis after he played at left-back for England in their Nations League victory over Finland.
The 19-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, starting all of our three Premier League matches and claiming an assist for an Erling Haaland strike in our 3-1 victory over West Ham last time.
It earned a call-up to the Three Lions from new coach Lee Carsley, who spent time at the City Academy, and he performed expertly on the left flank.
Guardiola says he is unlikely to use Lewis in the same position but he has the ability to make an impact on games from many positions.
“Rico played on the left but playing more inside. It is intelligent play,” he said ahead of City’s game with Brentford on Saturday at 15:00 (UK).
“We need Rico to go up and down on the left for crosses it’s not good.
“But he has to be more central position, short passes, attack more position, more central positions it’s really good.”
The teenager also played in a central midfield role during his years in the Academy and has also played there for Guardiola on occasions.
That shows his huge potential with the City boss only considering high quality players to take on the role.
“[It depends] on the quality they have,” he added. “There are players who can play inside or players can’t play inside.
“It depends on their qualities and skills they, not because I want one player there.
“[If] they have no skills to be there, some people feel more comfortable being outside than being inside.”
Guardiola will carefully manoeuvre his squad in the coming weeks, starting with four home games in the space of just 10 days.
Kyle Walker, who returned later from the European Championship, played his first minutes as a late substitute in the win over West Ham.
He captained the team last season with Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva as part of the leadership team.
The five positions are chosen by the players with the vote to come soon.
“They will decide, I don’t know who will vote or not vote,” Guardiola said. “We will see, in the next days we will know it.
“Me vote? No. Don’t get me in this compromise!”
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