Rising Manchester City defender labelled as “the Manchester Philipp Lahm” as Pep Guardiola glows

Manchester City appear to have their next big talent on their hands in teenage full-back Rico Lewis, with some within the club’s academy system likening him to one of the game’s best of all-time.

The 18 year-old right-back has started all of Manchester City’s competitive matches since the return of club football following the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, despite some expecting the club’s more senior defenders to be rushed back into action.

Pep Guardiola has shown incredible faith in Rico Lewis, with the club’s latest academy product starting matches against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round, as well as against Leeds United at Elland Road and Everton at home – both in the Premier League.

Lewis has operated in a highly-complex role under Pep Guardiola, starting matches at right-back but largely starring in an inverted position that sees him play alongside Rodrigo in defensive midfield during large parts of games.

To further heighten excitement around Rico Lewis, it has recently been detailed via The Athletic’s Pol Ballus that prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, one member from within Manchester City’s academy described the teenager as “the Manchester Philipp Lahm”.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was also keen to highlight the importance of having Rico Lewis within his first-team squad.

“Some players have five Premier Leagues. Why in your mind should you fight again?”, Guardiola opened.

He continued, “But that’s why we need Rico Lewis – because for him it’s wow, it’s new. ‘I want to be there, I want to play, I want to stay a long time here, I want to win one Premier League’. And this energy is contagious. He gives it to me and he gives it to the players.

“It puts pressure for the other ones. And it is so necessary.”

Rico Lewis will be confident of securing more game time in the coming weeks, as Manchester City continue their fight in all four competitions, including the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup – two trophies where Lewis is expected to be a mainstay in starting elevens for the reigning Premier League champions.

After impressing against Chelsea in the League Cup third round, Rico Lewis could be set to take on Graham Potter’s side once again, as the London club visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon on the FA Cup third round.