Can Nico O’Reilly become England’s long-term future left-back? | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly has cemented himself as a fan favourite in Manchester blue, whether that be in defensive midfield or in his new found position on the left-side of defence.

The 20-year-old gained his first senior call-up and cap for England’s first-team last week, playing the full 90 minutes in the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Serbia, and then the 0-2 away win over Albania.

Since his inclusion into England’s international side – alongside Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City first-team squad – many fans have wondered whether Nico O’Reilly can become his nation’s first choice left-back?

What Nico O’Reilly offers Thomas Tuchel

Whilst conventionally being a midfield player, Nico O’Reilly’s adaptation to the left-back role has been seamless, primarily occupying a wide left role but with the tendency to drop into central areas when his team is in possession.

This is evident through the Englishman’s heat-map from his first performance for Thomas Tuchel. The 20-year-old’s versatility makes him a key figure for different matches with an ability to hold width, but also comfortably drift inside to create overloads centrally – vital for success in the modern game.

Thomas Tuchel has clearly favoured this profile on the left of his defence in his short spell as England boss so far, primarily using Myles Lewis-Skelly in that position alongside deploying Chelsea captain Reece James.

The Manchester City academy graduate also offers lots of attacking output, scoring six goals and assisting a further five in his 35 first-team appearances for the club thus far. With the modern role of a full-back becoming more demanding of attacking and defensive capabilities, O’Reilly becomes well suited to this role.

From performing as a No.10 at youth level, to a No.10, and as a left-back at senior level, this tactical flexibility makes him a significant choice to join Tuchel for future England camps, putting him in a prime position to continue his development in England white.

Alongside a strong start to his Manchester City career, O’Reilly offers significant physical and technical attributes and potential. The Mancunian stands at an impressive 6’3″, making him a threat in both aerial and ground duel situations – ranking in the top 23 per cent for full-backs so far this campaign.

O’Reilly is also very technically competent, partly down to his previous roles in midfield areas – making him a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s possession-based systems. With the high demand for technical ability in the modern game, he can become a crucial figure at the back or in midfield for Tuchel’s England.

Nico O’Reilly’s competition

The left-back position has posed as a problem for England over recent years. The consistent injury concerns over Manchester United’s Luke Shaw plus an out-of-position Kieran Trippier have been the primary performers on the left of defence for the Three Lions.

With the abundance of new talent within the English ranks, the position now seems to be up for grabs. Nico O’Reilly’s main competitor, Myles Lewis-Skelly is yet to cement his starting place in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side in the current campaign, while Tottenham’s Djed Spence has been significant in Spurs’ success over the recent year but lacks experience at the top level.

Next in line is likely to be Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, although the youngster is stuck in a similar situation to the aforementioned Myles Lewis-Skelly, alongside suffering injury issues.

Whether Nico O’Reilly’s future lies in defensive or midfield areas, he clearly presents himself as a key option for England. Technically able, a physical monster, and tactically aware, he can offer Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions something vastly different to his competitors.

These traits alone, make him a figure worth presenting again and again to the England boss, particularly at a time when the German coach will be finalising his blueprints for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.