Rico Lewis has identified Phil Foden as a major factor on his rise into the Manchester City squad, and also admitted he has his sights set on a more regular midfield role in the coming years.
Lewis, who has made nine appearances for City this season, broke through into the first-team squad at the Etihad last season, with Pep Guardiola utilising the 18-year-old in a plethora of different positions, from right and left-back, to alongside Rodri in central midfield in City’s flexible 3-2-4-1 shape.
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports ahead of the Citizens’ UEFA Champions League encounter with Young Boys on Tuesday, Lewis was humble in reflecting on his journey so far, but excited about the prospects that face him in the years to come, as he highlighted Foden’s pathway into the senior squad as one that he has used as inspiration.
“That was one of the key things [for my journey] when Phil went through [to the first team],” Lewis said.
“Seeing how now, he’s so beneficial to the squad and how important he is; vital to the way that Pep plays. Everything coming from the same position that we were in, and seeing the way through.”
Lewis also spoke about the self-confidence he had in himself as he developed in City’s academy system.
He said: “I always thought I was going to play for City, but a lot of people would say that and want that to be true, but I believed it and luckily for me it’s working out as of now.”
With such versatility comes the question of Lewis’ preferred position, and he admitted that he would like to play in midfield, where he has often filled in alongside Rodri, either as an out-and-out defensive midfielder in the pivot, or as an inverted full-back.
“It’s not too important where I play; I just love playing, especially with this team, but I think I do like playing in midfield a lot because it’s more of both sides of the game,” Lewis said.
Rico Lewis of Manchester City
Image credit: Getty Images
“I do like to attack and get forward and press high, be more effective in the final third as well. I’d probably say a midfield role like the one [I played in] at Leipzig. That was one of the best games I’ve played and the position I was in, I just felt so comfortable there.”
It did not take long for Guardiola to recognise Lewis’ talents, and the manager brought the youngster into the fold last season, where he shone in both full-back positions.
On Guardiola, Lewis said: “It’s really good [to have Guardiola’s trust], but it’s another thing that’s surreal.
“You don’t think that a manager of that standard or level will ever even recognise you when you’re young, and for him to show so much respect in me is unbelievable. It’s just hard to believe still now. [It’s like a dream], exactly that.”
Some have pointed to Lewis as a big part of the moulding of John Stones’ role in the City set-up, with the natural centre-back drifting into midfield to create a numerical overload and support the progression of the ball up the pitch.
“I don’t see it that way,” he says. “In every game and training session I’ve done what I’ve been told to do and I’ll take the credit they’ve given me, but I believe that it is all from him.”
Looking ahead to the future, the starlet is keen to continue improving as he seeks to nail down a more regular space in City’s starting 11.
“The aim is to keep getting better and not rush anything, just gradually see myself getting better and developing in all different areas that I need to develop in, and hopefully one day being someone that can be trusted to play week in, week out and be relied on, regardless of the position.”
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