Pep Guardiola Lavishes Praise on Rico Lewis, Hailing Him as One of His Finest Ever Coached Players

Pep Guardiola referred to Rico Lewis as “one of the best” players he has ever had the pleasure of training as a manager after the Manchester City adolescent’s performance in Wednesday’s 3-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig.
Lewis, primarily a fullback, has demonstrated his versatility since breaking into Guardiola’s first team last season, and he was paired with Rodri in the Red Bull Arena’s midfield.

The 18-year-old played a pivotal role in City’s opening goal, linking up well with Bernardo Silva down the right flank before bursting into the box and cutting a cross into the path of fellow academy graduate Phil Foden, who scored with a magnificent first-time effort.

Three minutes after halftime, Leipzig equalized through Lois Openda, but late goals from Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku – two inspired substitutions by Guardiola – helped the Citizens claim maximum points and return to winning ways following consecutive domestic losses.

While Alvarez and Doku were crucial to City’s victory, Lewis was the standout performer for the visitors, contributing at both ends of the field and displaying composure and class when in possession.
Guardiola heaped praise on the teenager after the final whistle, and the former Barcelona manager, who has worked with Lionel Messi and many others during his glittering managerial career, believes Lewis is among the best players he has ever coached.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Guardiola commented on Lewis’s impressive performance: “What a player. What a stud. 18 years of age. I have been a manager for fourteen to fifteen years, training incredible players.

He is by far one of the best players I’ve ever trained.

Guardiola added: “He is a humble guy, doesn’t talk much, but has the appreciation of all his mates.

“He didn’t play much this season – last season he was a key point and helped us understand what we should do in our build up. Today was proof again. This season he hasn’t played as much but he is going to play a lot.”
Foden, who was named Man of the Match, lauded Lewis’s performance against Leipzig, telling mancity.com: “He did brilliant to pull it back to me. Two academy boys linking up, it’s nice to see.

“He’s the one who changes the tempo for us when we need it. He’s sharp in the midfield and he breaks the lines. He’s a great talent to have. He made us play better today for sure.”

Lewis was given just his second Champions League start against Leipzig since making his full European debut against Sevilla last November, when he became City’s youngest-ever scorer in the competition and the youngest player to score on his debut in Europe’s premier club tournament.

The youngster has made a total of 29 senior appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, including six so far this season, and he will be in contention to retain his starting position when Guardiola’s side face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.