Pep Guardiola has a tendency to have crushes on footballers that not everyone is aware of. Sometimes he is wrong: his opinion in 2010, supported by an insane fee of millions, that the Ukrainian Dmytro Chygrynskyi could develop into one of the best defenders in the world at FC Barcelona turned out to be quite exclusive. Chygrynskyi, 36, currently plays for Ionikos Nikeas in Greece – in league two.
Still, when Guardiola raves about a single player as much as he did on Wednesday evening after his team, Manchester City, beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League, then you should Be careful say. “I’ve been a coach for 14, 15 years now and I’ve coached many incredible players,” said the 52-year-old, who, among others, taught a certain Lionel Messi in Barcelona. And now he has found a player who is “one of the best players I have ever coached.”
We were talking about the exciting young professional Rico Lewis, who had already made a few appearances for City in the previous season, primarily as a right-back, and who comes from the club’s own academy. Against RB, the 18-year-old was seen primarily in midfield, and it was such a feast for the eyes that Guardiola later adopted the onomatopoeia of a TV reporter in an interview to comment on Lewis’ performance: “Wow!!!”
Lewis was aggressive when playing against the ball – and mature and constructive when in possession, a paragon of self-confidence, a source of inspiration. Lewis thrived alongside the calming six-man Rodri from Spain. Both of them together were largely responsible for the fact that RB coach Marco Rose later said that a game against City meant being able to “learn from the best”.
Álvarez scores a phenomenal goal, but the headlines in England belong to Lewis
That was a show of respect, but Guardiola also showed respect to the opponent, through words and actions. Fearing Leipzig’s pressing and switching game, the City coach had told his team to hide the ball. This meant that City indulged in passing relays, which were possible because the players were constantly in motion and everyone with the ball had at least two passing options. Only shortly after half-time did RB manage to surprise City: through striker Lois Openda, who made it 1-1 (48th minute). After the surprising goal, City no longer monopolized the ball as they had in the first half. But the superiority remained big enough to speak of a superior victory – and of the real news of the evening: Lewis’s first appearance on a big stage.
City’s 1-0 win (25th) by Phil Foden was mainly due to his brilliant preparatory work. Lewis had served Bernardo Silva on the right, asked for the ball back on the baseline and from there passed it to the back of the defense – to Foden. City had further chances. However, the winning goals only came in the final phase, through substitutes Julián Álvarez and Jérémy Doku.
Although Álvarez’s shot from a standing position into the corner was phenomenal, the headlines in England belonged to Lewis. He had already caused a stir in the first half, including when he made a fascinating turn in the RB penalty area with the ball at his feet. His range of motion in the scene was barely larger than a laptop, and his ball control was outstanding.
Lewis not only deserved every praise, he also showed that the success didn’t go to his head, said Guardiola. This is also why he dared to portray Lewis as the future of football. Especially since Lewis earned the respect of the dressing room, the most difficult undertaking for any young player. “The boys know they can rely on him,” emphasized Guardiola. He does it too.