As Manchester City began their Premier League title defence with a 2-nil win over Chelsea, there were several standout performers for Pep Guardiola’s side. Mateo Kovacic was outstanding in midfield as stepped up in Rodri’s absence. Erling Haaland began the season in ominous form with a sublime goal. Rico Lewis was another standout performer for the world champions. Alongside Mateo Kovacic, he was arguably City’s man-of-the-match at Stamford Bridge. Based on his display against Chelsea the England international is scratching the surface of what he can become as a player.
It is no secret that Pep Guardiola’s side headed into today’s game underdone. The champions have a host of players returning to full fitness after a hectic summer. But the circumstances surrounding Manchester City have provided a host of City’s squad players the chance to impress. One of those is Rico Lewis. His fine form from City’s pre-season was evident against Chelsea today.
READ MORE: City player ratings from Manchester City’s impressive 2-nil win over Chelsea.
Across his first two seasons with Manchester City’s first team, Lewis has shown his immense talent and potential. That was evident from the moment he burst onto the scene. But based on his pre-season performances and his showing today he looks set to take his game to another level. Manchester City will soon be on the lookout for a replacement for Kyle Walker. They already have that in Rico Lewis. That is beginning to become very evident based on the quality showings like the one today from Lewis.
Lewis was superb at Stamford Bridge. Defensively he was strong, at right-back against Chelsea’s attacking threat. In possession he was poised and showed maturity well beyond his years. He was also a constant threat going forward in a superb all-around display. Lewis didn’t put a foot wrong for 90 minutes. The biggest compliment you can give the youngster is on a pitch full of world class talent he was one of the standout players on the pitch. He was that good. It was a superb performance from one of England’s brightest young talents.
Based on his season opening display Rico Lewis is beginning to scratch the surface of the type of player he will become. If today’s performance is the starting point for what lies ahead this season and beyond for Lewis Manchester City look like they have another diamond on their hands. The sky is the limit for just how good the young full-back can become.
