All of a sudden a Manchester City youngster has a pivotal role to play going forward | OneFootball

The injury suffered by Nathan Ake this week is a blow for Manchester City. The Dutch international has a vital role to play for the world champions. He is vital to City’s defence playing at centre back. Ake also has a pivotal role to play at left-back for the world champions. But in light of his recent injury, it now appears that Rico Lewis will have a crucial role to play for Manchester City going forward.

In Ake’s absence, City look light for options at left-back. Josko Gvardiol is City’s first choice for the position. Ake would generally provide cover for Gvardiol in the role. Manuel Akanji can also step into the position when required, but he has been at his best as a centre-back of late. But during England’s 2-nil win over Finland Rico Lewis showed he may be the player to cover Josko Gvardiol when necessary at left-back.

For England in UEFA Nations League action Lewis started the match at left-back. When the Three Lions had possession he played primarily as an inverted full-back. That role plays into the strengths of Lewis’ game. He has shown at the beginning of this season just how dangerous he can be at right-back. Based on his showing for England there’s no reason why he cannot play in the same position for Manchester City. The play of Lewis does give Pep Guardiola another option at left-back during Nathan Ake’s absence.

The only downside to the move is Lewis looks set to be City’s first-choice right-back. He has started this season in blistering form in the role. There’s an argument to be made that Lewis has been City’s best player of the new campaign alongside Erling Haaland. But City’s needs may force a positional change at times for Rico Lewis. But he is more than capable of playing the role based on his intelligence and technical ability.

Nathan Ake’s injury is a blow for Manchester City. There is no doubt about that. But the man to step in at left-back may be one of City’s most talented youngsters. Rico Lewis has the versatility, temperament and talent to play all over the pitch. He is looming as a vital player for City this season. Nathan Ake’s misfortune may provide him with another position to thrive in and provide Pep Guardiola with another option at left-back.