Pep Guardiola’s hands are all over the improvement of a Manchester City midfielder | OneFootball

Nico has risen from a fringe player learning his way at Manchester City to become an integral component of Pep Guardiola’s side this season. Nico’s rise has been fascinating to watch unfold. He showed signs last season of the player he could become for City once he grew into life at the club after signing for City from FC Porto. This season, he has taken his game to another level. In a new interview with mancity.com, Nico has credited Pep Guardiola for his improvement as a player. Pep Guardiola’s hands are all over Nico’s growth as a midfielder.

Nico has high praise for Pep Guardiola and his role in Nico becoming a key player at Manchester City.

Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Nico gave tremendous credit to Pep Guardiola for improving him as a player in an interview published on Manchester City’s official website. He explained that Guardiola is a special manager who helps understand the game more with his tactical knowledge and managerial style. Nico explained: “I think Pep is the coach who has improved me the most. And not just me, but all the players that I see – many of us have come through and you can see the progression.”

“He’s incredible, especially because he makes you understand the things you do, which I think is important. He gives you instructions, he explains why, and he teaches you the reason.”

Nico became somewhat of a pet project for Pep and the results are clear to see.

Nico’s rise to become a key player at Manchester City wasn’t a linear process. After arriving at the club from FC Porto last January he was thrown into the deep end in City’s faltering midfield last season. He had performances where he shone, and at times he struggled to cope with the demands of playing in Pep Guardiola’s team. Especially one that was struggling as City were last season when Nico arrived at the club from FC Porto. Nico also didn’t play a prominent role for City at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. Instead, he was on the fringes of the City squad learning how to play the role he is now blossoming in.

Nico had always seemed to be a pet project for Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City knew the talent that the Spanish midfielder has. Before Nico became a key player for this City team, Guardiola was often seen spending time on the pitch with Nico teaching him the nuances of his midfield role. One famous instance of this occurred during Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Swansea in the Carabao Cup. From that point onwards Pep Guardiola’s pet project has come on in leaps and bounds as a player.

Pep Guardiola’s hands are all over the development of Nico as a player. Nico has spoken of this and you can see it coming to life on the pitch. It is a credit to Pep Guardiola’s management and Nico’s willingness to learn and grow as a player that Nico has become a key player for Manchester City so quickly. If Nico’s development under Guardiola continues at it’s current trajectory anything is possible for the Spanish midfielder.