In Focus: Guardiola's guidance key to Rico's rise at City

Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis is standing with the world at his feet as he continues to develop under Pep Guardiola.

Lewis started in the absence of Rodri in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday and the 18-year-old is thriving under the pressure of playing for the Premier League champions.

As he prepares to link up with England's Under-21s, we turn the spotlight on Guardiola's newest apprentice.

Finding his place

Lewis has made seven appearances in all competitions for City this season and has featured as both a defender and midfielder.

His first assist for City came against RB Leipzig in the Champions League where he led the Treble winners to a comfortable win in Germany.

The academy graduate again looked lively in the middle of the park on Sunday but lacked the ability to penetrate a resilient Arsenal defence.

Lewis was used as a left-back in the season opener against Burnley and again slotted in seamlessly, suggesting that Guardiola has another versatile option to add to his squad.

And with the world-class quality available on City's books, the Bury boy will be eager to play anywhere and continue to pit himself against Europe's top athletes.

Praise from the boss

Guardiola hailed Lewis after his display in Europe last week, describing him as "one of the best I've ever trained by far."

The Spaniard also revealed that he struggled to realise the Young Lions' ace potential until recently.

He said: "I remember one pre-season I did not even consider bringing him and [first-team coach] Carlos Vicens told me we can bring Rico because he can play right-back, left-back. I didn't know him.

"He played against Bayern Munich and I remember thinking, 'Oh, this guy is good'.

"He is a big talent. To find that is not easy. He comes from the academy, always trains good, he deserves all the compliments and praise."

Compared to the best

Rodri is regarded as one of the best midfielders on the planet and Lewis has had to perform at his top level to fill the gap left by the Spaniard during his suspension.

Per 90 minutes, the former is averaging 2.43 tackles, 120 passes and 135 touches, which is significantly more than what the latter has been able to do this term.

But Lewis is holding his own in some areas and has been averaging more interceptions and more possessions won in the defensive third than his team-mate.

Against Arsenal, the No82 clocked over 90% passing accuracy and nearly a quarter of his efforts came in the final third.

So while he still has a lot to learn from Rodri, Lewis can hold his head high knowing that Guardiola views him as a suitable alternative to the Spaniard.

Stake your claim

Lewis admits that he prefers to play in midfield, but wants to take any opportunity thrown his way at City.

He said: "There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do is my best and learn.

"The opportunities will come and when they do I've got to take them." 

City return to action on October 21 when they host high-flying Brighton in the Premier League.

Rodri will return for the fixture, but Lewis will still have a role to play as the champions look to keep pace with the league leaders.