“There are no words” – Pep Guardiola left speechless by Manchester City starlet in Bratislava win

Pep Guardiola has been left lost for words by the performance of Rico Lewis for Manchester City in Champions League action this week.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in Manchester City’s starting line-ups so far this season, often keeping club captain Kyle Walker out of the team as Pep Guardiola utilises Lewis in a fluid defensive and midfield hybrid role.

The serious knee injury to Rodri and expected absence of around nine months following surgery is only set to increase Rico Lewis’ responsibilities in the squad, as Guardiola looks for solutions in the defensive midfield role.

The latest outing for Manchester City and Rico Lewis saw him start in the defensive midfield role when in possession, but simultaneously issued license to roam forward and support attacks in the 0-4 win over Slovan Bratislava in Champions League action.

Speaking after the match with reporters, manager Pep Guardiola was quizzed on yet another outstanding performance from Manchester City Academy graduate and now first-team star, Rico Lewis.

“The way Rico (Lewis) is playing, there are no words. He does everything,” Guardiola said. “He made an assist, and defensively strong, and in small pockets he’s really good. Of course he has to improve a few things, but he’s playing at the highest level.”

The City boss continued, “You can count on him and always he has the ability to be free, making incredible kilometres every time to make the process in the six-yard box, he’s there all the time, he can shoot and assist, and in transitions he’s an intelligent player when he has to control.

“He’s so clever! It’s simple, he’s such a clever player, so intelligent – this attribute, as a manager, is massively important. Being intelligent is the biggest attribute, and he has it.”

Manchester City have just one match remaining before the latest international break this season as they welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the club hope to returning to winning ways in the Premier League.

City have succumbed to successive draws in their last two matches in the English top-flight, with a 2-2 scoreline played out between themselves and Arsenal, followed by a somewhat offensively drab 1-1 tie against Newcastle last weekend.