Pep Guardiola, the legendary football coach, has always had a keen eye for talent, especially in central midfielders.
The latest prodigy to catch his attention is 18-year-old Rico Lewis, and there are strong indications that Pep sees him as the next preeminent product in this crucial role.
After a stellar performance that earned him high praise in a recent victory over Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola’s admiration for Rico Lewis became evident.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Pep’s belief in Rico’s potential and what qualities make him stand out as a “treasure” for Manchester City and world football.
- The Smartest Footballer Pep Has Ever Known
Pep Guardiola is not one to shower players with compliments easily, but when he does, it carries weight.
Over the course of his career, Pep has only praised a select few for their intelligence on the pitch, players who have gone on to become legends in the footballing world.
Rico Lewis, with his outstanding performances and tactical acumen at such a young age, has garnered this coveted praise from Pep.
Notable names like Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Philipp Lahm, and David Silva have been among those whom Pep has praised for their footballing intelligence.
- Turning a Right-Back into a Central Midfield Gem
Pep Guardiola has a history of transforming players and pushing them to new heights. Rico Lewis, initially a right-back, has undergone a remarkable transformation under Pep’s tutelage.
The Spanish strategist has almost reinvented Lewis as a true central midfielder, leading some Man City fans to believe that he was trained to be a midfield “boss” last season.
This radical transformation signifies Pep’s belief in Lewis’s potential to become a mainstay in Manchester City’s midfield.
- The Preparation for Success
With the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, Pep Guardiola seems poised to utilize Rico Lewis more frequently in the central midfield role during the 2023/24 season.
This move indicates that Pep has been planning and preparing for Lewis’s rise to prominence for some time now.
The recent extension of Rico Lewis’s contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium for an additional five years, further reinforces Pep’s commitment to nurturing this young talent.
- A Treasure Trove of Qualities
Beyond his footballing intelligence, Rico Lewis possesses several qualities that make him a gem in Pep’s eyes.
Despite being just 18 years old, Lewis displays maturity beyond his age, exhibiting exceptional individual technique and tactical sensibilities.
His ability to read the game and execute precise passes sets him apart from many players of his generation.
Moreover, his physical strength and resilience, honed through his boxing training, add an extra dimension to his game.
- Central Midfield, the Key to Pep’s Tactics
Throughout his career, Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of the central midfield position in his tactical systems.
The central midfielders act as the “link” that determines a team’s success in controlling the ball and orchestrating the phases of play.
Notable players like Sergio Busquets, Joshua Kimmich, Fernandinho, and Rodri have excelled in this role under Pep’s guidance.
Rico Lewis’s skill set aligns perfectly with the qualities Pep seeks in a central midfielder, making him a natural fit for this pivotal position.
With Pep Guardiola’s belief in Rico Lewis’s potential, an incredibly bright future awaits the young midfielder.
The combination of his footballing intelligence, technical prowess, and physical strength, all under the guidance of one of the greatest football coaches of all time, sets the stage for Rico Lewis to become a central midfield maestro.
As he continues to develop and mature, the footballing world eagerly awaits the rise of this exciting talent, and he may very well become the best central midfielder in the world, living up to the expectations set by his mentor, Pep Guardiola.
