Nico O’Reilly opens up on “complicated” left-back role under Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City’s latest breakthrough starlet Nico O’Reilly has opened up on the “complicated” role he is currently excelling in under Pep Guardiola.

The 20-year-old has become one of the most exciting developments of City’s season, transitioning from a natural midfielder to a key component of Guardiola’s fluid defensive structure.

The youngster’s willingness to adapt and succeed in one of the most intricate roles in modern football, and a notoriously challenging format in the club’s rearguard, has earned him growing admiration from supporters and staff alike as well as international recognition.

O’Reilly’s emergence has been a product of both necessity and design with injuries, tactical adjustments, and Pep Guardiola’s preference for physically-competitive full-backs opening the door this campaign, grabbing his opportunity with remarkable maturity. His technical profile – intelligent, composed and tactically aware – has made him particularly well suited.

From making his senior debut in the 2024 Community Shield to becoming a first-team regular and earning his maiden England call-up and first Three Lions appearances under Thomas Tuchel, Nico O’Reilly’s rise has been rapid. Yet, throughout the increased attention and expectations, he has maintained a level-headed approach.

Speaking in a new interview with Manchester City’s official club website, O’Reilly was quizzed on his continued rise and development within the left-back position, despite naturally being a central midfielder.

“I think I’m improving massively. Game by game,” said the England international. “It’s not just a traditional left-back, it’s more complicated. I’m going inside, going to the wing, getting into the box, defending as a back four and keeping a high line.”

O’Reilly continued, “There’s so much going into it and very tactical. It’s quite a demanding position, there’s a lot of running up and down the flank. I’m enjoying it and I feel like I’m improving every game.

“I feel I understand the tactics and have always been quite clever on the pitch but it’s definitely a challenge because it’s a much higher level than previously.”

Quizzed on his 2025 as a whole, which has featured his firm integration into the Manchester City first-team squad and his first senior England international caps, Nico O’Reilly reflected, “I’m really enjoying it. It’s mad because I never thought I’d be in this position so soon.

“I’m trying to stay level-headed and stay off social media. I want to stay calm. There’s a lot of outside noise but at the end of the day none of that matters, it’s what happens on the pitch that matters the most.”

Pep Guardiola is expected to continue deploying Nico O’Reilly as a highly-versatile full-back in the months ahead, providing stern competition for summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, particularly with the role central to City’s positional play.

Should he maintain his current trajectory, O’Reilly could become one of the Premier League’s most unique and tactically valuable players, all coming at a time when the player will also be viewed as a serious contender for a place at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, too.