“He’s almost doing two roles” – Declan Rice issues immense praise on 19-year-old Manchester City starlet | OneFootball

Arsenal and England international midfielder Declan Rice has been keen to issue high praise on the abilities of one of Manchester City’s most exciting talents.

That concerns Rico Lewis, who has seen a monumental rise within Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans since first breaking into the top squad at the City Football Academy midway through the club’s historic Treble-winning season of 2022/23.

Having won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup during his first calendar year with Manchester City’s first-team, Rico Lewis is already one of the most decorated players at his age.

This season has been no different for Lewis, who has continued his rise within Pep Guardiola’s plans whilst undertaking multiple roles when called upon, with a staggering outing at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season highlighting his maturity.

Speaking during a recent interview with The Athletic this week, Declan Rice has been keen to point out the complex role undertaken by Manchester City’s Rico Lewis during a recent Premier League battle against the reigning Champions.

“I remember this game,” Rice pointed out in reference to Arsenal’s home meeting against Manchester City back in October 2023, which resulted in victory for Mikel Arteta’s side courtesy of a late winning strike from Gabriel Martinelli.

Declan Rice continued, “It was hard to play out because Rico Lewis was taking up some really tough positions where he’s almost doing two roles!”

Despite being just 19-years-old, Rico Lewis is already regarded as one of the finest names to emerge from Manchester City’s continuous conveyor belt of talent coming out of the City Football Academy.

In fact, such is the highly-rated nature of the player that reputable football statistics website Transfermarkt believe Rico Lewis already holds as transfer market valuation in the region of €38 million. However, Manchester City are highly unlikely to entertain offers for the player.

Across the course of the 2023/24 campaign thus far, Rico Lewis has recorded 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing a further four assists as Manchester City go in search of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown.