Rodrigo Hernandez was in recent times the balance of City of Manchester. In an ultra-offensive team like Pep Guardiolahis figure represents all that is beautiful in the middle of the field. With the ball he provided continuity and broke through the lines, without losing almost any ball despite conceding many times in compromised situations. Without having to make things pretty, it was effective. It is clear proof that intelligence is often as important or even more important than any other aspect of a footballer. Defensively, without being the fastest or strongest in the world, he is always in the right place to intercept rival attacks. Born to play under Pep Guardiola.
Now, with his serious injury, the Santpedor coach is forced to reinvent himself. Among the possible replacements within the squad, everyone remembered Gündoğan, Kovacic or Nunes. But so far at the beginning of the campaign the one who took a step forward in playing in central positions is Lewis Rico, only 19 years old. Although in games like against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League (0-4) he starts as a winger, he actually moves inside.
He is not in the same position as Rodri and he does not have the intelligence of the Spaniard, but he has what the City needs now. There is no player like the former Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal player in the squad or on the market, so there is no point in looking for a similar profile. Everything involves reinventing yourself and introducing variants. That’s where the English figure becomes great, he’s amazing. It profiles well inside and out. It can provide width, depth, first or last pass.
Pep was very clear to him: “The way Rico Lewis is playing… there are no words.” “He does everything, and he does everything very well.”.
Last season he participated in 16 games in the Premier, contributing 2 goals and in 24-25 he starts more and more. His market value is around 40 million euros and the England international now has a contract until 2028 with the Manchester club.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
