Rico Lewis admits match fitness concern during Manchester City’s Villarreal away win | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rico Lewis has admitted his personal concern during Tuesday’s 0-2 win over Villarreal that he may need to be replaced at the half-time interval.

The England international was one of the standout performers for Pep Guardiola’s side at Estadio de la Cerámica, impressing in an advanced midfield role as City returned to winning ways in Europe.

First-half goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva sealed an important victory for the Premier League giants, ending a long winless run away from home in the UEFA Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s men were in complete control during the opening stages, with Lewis heavily involved in midfield rotations alongside John Stones and Nico Gonzalez. His energy and intelligence in tight spaces allowed Mancchester City to stretch Villarreal’s defensive setup, and his perfectly timed assist for Haaland’s opener highlighted his growing maturity on the European stage.

Speaking to reporters after City’s 0-2 win over Villarreal in Eastern Spain, Rico Lewis admitted his delight at being granted the opportunity to start in midfield for Guardiola, as well as his simultaneous determination to make a big impression during the opportunity.

“There is nothing better than playing and I’m obviously happy to be playing in midfield as well. Most importantly we got the three points so there are no complaints from me. Obviously it is difficult (coming in), but I was that excited that it masked that difficulty,” said Lewis.

The Manchester City academy graduate continued, “I knew I needed to go and prove a point. I needed to prove myself because I’ve always wanted to play in midfield and talk about it all the time.

“When I get the opportunity, I want to take it. It was a difficult game – they’re a good team – but I think that I found the spaces and got an assist so I can’t really ask for more.”

However, when the idea of Lewis looking comfortable alongside the likes of Nico Gonzalez and John Stones was put to him, despite his lack of game time in recent weeks, the 20-year-old admitted, “It didn’t feel like that, I was so tired.

“After 10 minutes I was thinking, ‘I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it to half-time’, but the basics are always going to be there. You can’t play for five games in a row, but the team is so good that you fit in.”

Lewis added, “We do it so much in training, you know the spaces. You can be playing or not playing, but everybody knows where everyone is going to be. It’s a good sign early on that we have that kind of structure already and it will only progress.”

Rico Lewis’ honest admission offers a glimpse into the physical demands Pep Guardiola places on his midfielders, particularly those asked to switch roles between defence and central areas. The youngster’s ability to adapt and deliver despite limited minutes underlines why the City boss continues to view him as a key part of the club’s long-term future.

As Manchester City prepare for a busy domestic and European schedule, Rico Lewis’ versatility could prove invaluable, both as a rotational option and as a tactical weapon in games requiring control and composure.

The Englishman’s showing against Villarreal in Eastern Spain will likely strengthen Pep Guardiola’s trust in the academy graduate, who continues to grow in importance with every appearance.