Rico Lewis reiterates desire for permanent Manchester City position change under Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

A right-back by trade, but re-positioning throughout the line-up, Rico Lewis has emphasised his desire to shift further forward on a more permanent basis.

The senior England international, who was called up to the Three Lions squad for the second time in his professional career earlier this month, is now expected to play a major role in Manchester City’s operation this season.

A serious knee injury sustained by Rodri will rule out the Spaniard for the remainder of the ongoing campaign, and likely into the summer, and as such leaves Pep Guardiola with an urgent need to source solutions in the centre of the park.

Alongside the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, who bring much-needed experience to the central midfield roles for Manchester City, Rico Lewis could yet take up a number of roles in the biggest of games for Guardiola and his teammates.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website, and while he is no doubt grateful for the ongoing opportunities in defensive midfield and right-back, Rico Lewis has envisaged himself operating in attacking midfield roles in future.

“I think I am most effective in midfield in the small areas and tight spaces where we can draw players in and then give it to the attackers with more time and more space,” Rico Lewis explained.

He continued, “With their quality that is where we can create the most chances. I just enjoy having control of the game, having the ball and just fully in control of the opponent. Obviously I had a chance in pre-season to play all of the games because some of the lads were away at the Euros and then needed a bit of a rest which was good for me.

“I got my fitness in quite early, and I think that put me in good stead for the season. So far, I have played more than I could have expected, and I am really happy.

“I just try and better myself every day, see what I do that is good and to try to improve that and see what I do that is bad and try to improve it. That is the best way for me to progress.”

Having operated in a mixture of an attacking and defensive role when in possession against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, it remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola feels the tactical set-up was a masterplan that can be utilised in other big moments this season.

There will be another opportunity for Guardiola to test his tactical theories almost immediately, as Manchester City travel to Slovakia this week for matchday two of the league phase in the UEFA Champions League, hoping to get their first three points on the board.