Manchester City teenager Lewis relishing utility role

Rico Lewis has dismissed the importance of nailing down a regular position in the Manchester City side and believes his versatility has helped him play more often this season.

Lewis has made 11 appearances for City this term, at right-back, left-back and in midfield and also established himself in the England squad.

And the 19-year-old believes his ability to play more than one role has helped him.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League game at home to Sparta Prague, he said: “I’ve not really given too much thought to nailing down a position. I think the more positions I can play the bigger chance it gives me of playing.

“If I had one position, I wouldn’t have played as much this season. There’s both ways to think about it. But I’m thinking about playing as well as I can and working as hard as I can.

“At first, I was a midfielder but after about two weeks they put me at right-back because I wasn’t as good as everyone else.

“Since then I’ve played everywhere, left-back, right-back and a season at centre-back when I was younger. That’s definitely helped me in terms of now and knowing other people’s positions.

“I’m enjoying my football right now and the more positions I can play, the more games I can play and that’s what I want.”

RICO 💬 At first I was a midfielder. Two weeks in I was changed to right back. Since then I’ve played left back, right back and centre back. That’s helped me in terms of now and knowing other people’s positions. I’m enjoying football right now and the more positions I can play… pic.twitter.com/wNOtR3gMYj

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 22, 2024

Happy to play anywhere

Lewis claims he doesn’t have a preferred position, adding: “I think it’s everything. No two games are the same. I like the defensive side and I like the attacking. Especially with how we are playing at the moment, it’s the little details that can win you a game. 

“We all have one goal and that’s to win. I enjoy the little details and the things that we and I can do to help win games.”

Lewis’ minutes have gradually increased this term in a way reminiscent of how Pep Guardiola slowly introduced Phil Foden.

Asked if he feels more trusted by Guardiola, he said: “Definitely, because I’m playing on the pitch, but that’s not to say he didn’t trust me when I wasn’t playing.

“We have so many good players that can play in so many positions that it’s difficult to fit everyone in at once. For my confidence, it’s massive, to have a manager who feels he can play you in most games is amazing for me.”