In pictures: Leipzig v Man City
Phil Foden has no doubts that Rico Lewis can follow in his footsteps from Manchester City’s academy to become the next big thing at the Etihad. The pathway from academy to the fringes of City’s first team dressing room has been well travelled with plenty earning time in the spotlight.
But Foden remains the only one to make the transition stick by going on to command a regular first-team place as well as making it on the international stage. If caution and patience have been the watchwords with Lewis to date, Pep Guardiola broke ranks after Lewis’s display against Leipzig calling him “one of the best he had trained”.
And Foden, 23, did not hold back either when asked whether Lewis has what it takes to make the grade. He is one of the best young players I’ve seen,” said Foden.
The England international then appeared to call for Guardiola to offer his teammate more opportunities, having played just 81 minutes in the Premier League prior to his stunning performance on Wednesday night.
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Foden continued: “He seems to up our tempo when he’s dead sharp in the pockets and makes us play a bit quicker. Normally when you’re 18 you’re a bit shy in these big games. He’s the total opposite. He wants the ball, wants to impress. I like his determination. He’s going to be a quality player, he just needs the game time.”
Lewis signed a new six-year £25,000-a-week contract in August but has been used sparingly by Guardiola so far this season, playing against Burnley and making two last-minute appearances against Fulham and West Ham.
But with Rodri missing for the final match of his three-game suspension against the Gunners this weekend and off the back of his display against Leipzig, Lewis could be in line for another start in north London. “He’s only going to get better with this coach given how he improves players,” said Foden. “He just has to pay attention and want to get better. I don’t have to tell Rico that, he knows what he’s doing. But I’m delighted to have an academy player playing in these big games, it’s a dream come true for me.”
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Lewis’s breakthrough came after impressing Guardiola in City’s pre-season tour of the United States before the treble-winning campaign. Praising his adaptability and intelligence, Guardiola credited him with demonstrating the difficult-to-master hybrid full-back midfield role to the rest of the squad.
Long-term Lewis has set his heart on a position sitting alongside Rodri at the heart of City’s midfield, an ambition that would mean pushing big-money signings Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips out of the picture. “That is my favourite position I think, even more than coming inside from full-back,” he said.
“Playing higher up then defending as a two with Rodri is my favourite. But for me I think it’s just all about patience,” said Lewis. “There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do my best and learn. The opportunities will come and when they do I’ve got to take them but I just have to stay patient.”
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