Head coach Pep Guardiola has handed very high praise to Manchester City wonderkid Rico Lewis in a recently recorded interview.

Guardiola named Lewis as ‘one of the best’ he has ever trained, citing his movement off the ball as the most impressive attribute in the Bury-born boy’s locker. He also emphasised Lewis’ young age in the interview – he is well beyond his years from a mental perspective.

Guardiola has coached legendary talents such as Robert Lewandowski, Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi in the past – so to put Lewis amongst these names shows how highly he thinks of him.

Lewis has made six appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues so far this season, registering a solitary assist in the Champions League along the way.

What did Pep Guardiola say regarding Rico Lewis?

When asked about Rico Lewis, Guardiola said to Sam Lee [via Fabrizio Romano on X]: “What a player. What a player. 18 years old.

“I’ve been a manager for 15 years, training unbelievable players, to find a player like him in the pockets, moving into the spaces… wow. He’s one of the best I [have] ever trained, by far.”

How much of a role will Rico Lewis play for Manchester City this season?

While Lewis’ talents are clear for all to see, even at such an early stage in his development, he will struggle to secure a regular spot in the first team over Kyle Walker this season.

Walker is one of the best full backs in the world. He seems to get better with age – his legendary pace has still not departed him, as his attacking instincts and defensive nuances grow stronger with each passing day.

With that being said, Guardiola clearly has plenty of faith in the 18-year-old. Walker won’t be able to play every game this season – City’s schedule is simply too congested.

This will give Lewis time to shine – however, he must ensure that he takes full advantage of the limited amount of minutes that are made available to him, in order to leave a lasting impression. Guardiola has shown belief in him – it is now on Lewis to repay it.