Pep Guardiola admits he made a game time mistake over one Manchester City wonderkid in lengthy glowing praise | OneFootball

Rico Lewis should have played more for Manchester City last season, Pep Guardiola admitted in light of another glowing performance from the versatile defender.

The teenager was once again writing his own headlines on Sunday afternoon having put in an exemplary performance from right-back against Chelsea on the Premier League’s opening weekend of action.

With Kyle Walker being granted an extended period of rest over the summer following his route to the European Championships final with England, Rico Lewis has had the chance to stake his claim for a consistent starting berth with a full pre-season under his belt.

The 19-year-old’s footballing intelligence was on full show at Stamford Bridge, operating as an advancing natural right-back, whilst also complimenting Mateo Kovacic in defensive midfield during some phases of play.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the 0-2 opening weekend win over Chelsea, manager Pep Guardiola admitted that Rico Lewis should have been made to play more for Manchester City last season.

“Last season when he could not play a lot of games, I said, ‘Why don’t I make this player play?!’,” the Manchester City manager admitted on the 19-year-old after the perfect start to yet another Premier League title defence.

Continuing in a lengthy, glowing praise of the Manchester City Academy graduate, Pep Guardiola said, “He saved a goal (against Chelsea) because always he’s in the right position. In the one-against-ones defensively, he’s UN-BELIEVABLE.

“Arriving in the final third, as a full-back, in the inside channel, how many times?! In the pockets, he moves like a player few times I’ve seen in my life! He does EVERYTHING good; one-against-one defensively, blocking shots in the first-half from (Christopher) Nkunku, he’s always ready, he moves inside and outside perfectly.”

Guardiola closed, “Honestly, Rico is a top, TOP player! A top player!”

Rico Lewis could be granted another opportunity to impress this weekend when Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium to open up their Premier League account in front of their own support.

Ipswich Town are the visitors to the home of the English top-flight champions, coming into the contest off the back of their Premier League debut when they welcomed Arne Slot’s Liverpool to Portman Road.