Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States has provided opportunities for City’s youngsters to impress. To date, players such as Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, Callum Doyle Maximo Perrone and more have impressed at stages of City’s pre-season friendlies. But during Manchester City’s penalty shootout defeat to Barcelona Nico O’Reilly put in a quality display. The youngster appears to have the tools to make an impact for Manchester City either this season or in the future based on his showings in the US.
Nico O’Reilly is yet another impressive prospect to rise through City’s academy. The young midfielder looks to have all of the necessary tools to eventually graduate into City’s first team. He is a technically sound player which is a prerequisite to play for Pep Guardiola’s side. O’Reilly also has the intelligence required to play in midfield for the world champions. While he is young he looks to have a maturity to his game that is beyond his years. That has stood out during his appearances for City in the US. Nico O’Reilly also has size in his favour which makes him a player who looks ready to potentially play a role for Pep Guardiola this season.
O’Reilly also has an eye for goal and the ability to make late runs into the box. That was evident when equalised for Manchester City during the first half against Barcelona. The type of run made by the youngster was reminiscent of Ilkay Gundogan in his prime. That ability is another standout attribute for O’Reilly. He also looks to have the versatility to play in multiple positions across midfield, which is another must-have attribute for Manchester City players. All told Nico O’Reilly could be the complete package in midfield as he further develops in time.
👏 The pass from @JoskoGvardiol4
🤩 The finish by Nico O’ReillyWe’re level. Watch live on CITY+ ⤵️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 31, 2024
Speaking after City’s friendly against Barcelona Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Nico O’Reilly. Guardiola believes that O’Reilly has the potential to help his team. He explained: “He had a long injury last season, and he came back in the middle and trained with us and I said Wow, this guy has good things. He’s a good leader, so strong in the duel and small spaces good. In attacking midfield he arrives well, and when holding he can too. I’m pretty sure he can play a role as a holding midfielder. He can do it. We have Kalvin [Phillips and Kova[cic] who played incredibly well and Nico. I know he can play, it’s difficult to sustain 90 minutes but he can help us because he’s a player with a lot of quality.”
One of the major themes of Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States was which City youngsters would impress. Nico O’Reilly is one who has stood out and potentially earmarked himself as a player for the future and potentially this season for Manchester City.
