“WOW!” – Pep Guardiola praises Manchester City teen Rico Lewis after first Premier League start

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for teenage full-back Rico Lewis, who made his full Premier League debut against Leeds United on Wednesday night.

The Sky Blues marked their return to Premier League action with a frantic 3-1 win over Leeds, courtesy of goals from Rodri and an Erling Haaland second half brace.

City will have the opportunity to move within two points of league leaders Arsenal with a win over Everton on New Year’s Eve, after a defiant performance helped the reigning Premier League champions to a vital three points at Elland Road.

Following an incredible showing against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last Thursday, Pep Guardiola handed a first Premier League start to 18 year-old Rico Lewis.

The teenager had previously made seven first-team appearances for Manchester City this season, making three appearances from the bench in the Premier League against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.

Lewis became the youngest Englishman to start a Premier League match for City since Micah Richards in 2006, with Guardiola opting to play the teenager over both Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo.

Speaking about the right-backs selection pre-match, Guardiola said: “The way he played vs Liverpool, it’d be unfair not to let him play again. Almost impossible to play better than him. He has to play again. We need Kyle/Joao as soon as possible. He’s in a perfect position to play.”

The teen was replaced by Joao Cancelo in the 68th minute after an eye-catching full Premier League debut.

Praising the youngsters performance after the win, the City manager said: “He understands the game, he’s so clever.

“He helps us with our dynamics much better… Playing against Chelsea, Liverpool, here today at Elland Road, WOW! He’s an absolute reality for us.”