82 | Rico Lewis - 2025/26

[NQCitizen]

Not sure how we went from all loving the kid to a certain section of the fan base deriding him.

He’s 20, has shown more than enough quality and will prove everybody wrong.

Sadly that's the route nearly all of our prospects take.

Bobb will be next.

Massively overrated when they've barely played. "Deadwood" once they have.

 

[NQCitizen]

We do actually need some club trained players.

 

[BedsBlue68]

lol, I don’t think people do, because his age, with the word “only” in front of it, gets brought up by those who rate him on here with remarkable consistency ;-)

In fact I fully expect if here’s still here in five years, to be reading posts reminding me “he’s only 25”.

Rather than his age (wow, he’ll be only 21 come November), I’d rather focus other aspects, like his 50 plus first team opportunities he’s already been given, and what he’s (not) done with them.

If we get offered a bit more for him, following their opening offer, my view is it would be good business to sell. No space for him in the front 6 positions (or cover for them), and though he’s not perfect in every respect as a RB, Nunes has developed a lot, and we have other players we could use there (that’s assuming no one new arrives). I think for a lower level team he could have an excellent career, and start on a regular basis. His attitude seems to be excellent too and if he does go, I’d wish him well.

Im sure you would rather discuss a route that suits your argument - however at 20 he has 50 plus first team appearances in one of the most successful teams in the history of the league - picking up a fair few honours working under one of the best managers in the history of the game. Pretty impressive doe a 20 year old. As i said somewhere above, in a well structured City team he fits right in, in the sh*tshow we were last year he struggles - could be age could be talent most probably both in reality.

I'm not disagreeing with you btw - he has weaknesses in his game as a RB - not surprising as he was not a RB till Pep asked him to play there for pretty much all those "50 plus" games. As one of ours I am interested in what happens to his career and where (position and club) he ends up playing.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Sadly that's the route nearly all of our prospects take.

Bobb will be next.

Massively overrated when they've barely played. "Deadwood" once they have.

Yep, O’reily will get the same. As soon as he makes a mistake or dip in form the usual will come out and say he’s not ready or not good enough.

Certain city fans just want ready made players, who never make mistakes. There seems to be no patience for young players now.

Even when some of these ‘ready made’ players make mistakes or drop form as well.

 

[NQCitizen]

Yep, O’reily will get the same. As soon as he makes a mistake or dip in form the usual will come out and say he’s not ready or not good enough.

Certain city fans just want ready made players, who never make mistakes. There seems to be no patience for young players now.

Even when some of these ‘ready made’ players make mistakes or drop form as well.

Can't help feeling like having Harwood bellies or lavia still wouldn't be hurting right now either.

Maybe we'll see more Trafford like returns.

 

[chesterbells]

Im sure you would rather discuss a route that suits your argument - however at 20 he has 50 plus first team appearances in one of the most successful teams in the history of the league - picking up a fair few honours working under one of the best managers in the history of the game. Pretty impressive doe a 20 year old. As i said somewhere above, in a well structured City team he fits right in, in the sh*tshow we were last year he struggles - could be age could be talent most probably both in reality.

I'm not disagreeing with you btw - he has weaknesses in his game as a RB - not surprising as he was not a RB till Pep asked him to play there for pretty much all those "50 plus" games. As one of ours I am interested in what happens to his career and where (position and club) he ends up playing.

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That’s fair comment bud, and a measured reply. The only point I’d identify as a difference there is when you say “fits right in” I think of it more as “carried by”.

I’ve certainly nothing against him as an individual or his attitude, and yep, he has come through our ranks, so I instinctively want him to do well.

It’s just being hard-headed about it, I’ve seen enough to think he’s not the answer for a team aspiring to win at home and in Europe every year. I’ve detailed my view of his weaknesses on here plenty before, so won’t go over the same old ground. Lower down the football pecking order, absolutely, he could have a great career.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

Can't help feeling like having Harwood bellies or lavia still wouldn't be hurting right now either.

Maybe we'll see more Trafford like returns.

I don’t get the Lavia thing at all.

The guy is a complete sicknote, who seems incapable of stringing two games together on the bounce before going off injured again.

He’s managed just 17 appearances in the League across two seasons at Chelsea, and most of these have been coming off the bench.

He’d have been next to useless at City, and I’m sure Liverpool are absolutely delighted they didn’t waste over £50m on him a couple of years back.

He’s a total myth.

 

[Tevez City]

Many wanted Khusanov to play as a RB, in this case take the money and lets use Khusanov there when needed.

 

[NQCitizen]

I don’t get the Lavia thing at all.

The guy is a complete sicknote, who seems incapable of stringing two games together on the bounce before going off injured again.

He’s managed just 17 appearances in the League across two seasons at Chelsea, and most of these have been coming off the bench.

He’d have been next to useless at City, and I’m sure Liverpool are absolutely delighted they didn’t waste over £50m on him a couple of years back.

He’s a total myth.

You can happily excude lavia from that list if you want. The point stands.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

You can happily excude lavia from that list if you want. The point stands.

Fair enough mate - I wasn’t actually disagreeing with your point in any way, more a reflection on posters who hold him up as another missed opportunity from the Academy.

We’ve got plenty far more convincing examples of that regrettable scenario without having to resort to a permanent sicknote who’d have added precisely fuck all even if he had stayed at the Club.

 

[NQCitizen]

Fair enough mate - I wasn’t actually disagreeing with your point, more a reflection on posters who hold him up as another missed opportunity from the Academy.

We’ve got plenty far more convincing examples of that regrettable scenario without having to resort to a permanent sicknote who’d have added precisely fuck all even if he’d stayed at the Club.

I don't remember him being that injury prone in the EDS tbh, wasnt sure if just another club ruined him as opposed to it being inherently him.

He was quality when he was in the EDS for sure.

 

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

I don't remember him being that injury prone in the EDS tbh, wasnt sure if just another club ruined him as opposed to it being inherently him.

He was quality when he was in the EDS for sure.

He was, you’re right - but he’s done very little since he left us to suggest it was a mistake to let him go.

Could be a simple case of bad luck though, and he may be in for a standout season that finally realises his potential.

If so, I’m clearly wrong on this one.

But after three years, I’ve seen nothing so far that makes me in any way regret the Club’s decision.

 

[BedsBlue68]

That’s fair comment bud, and a measured reply. The only point I’d identify as a difference there is when you say “fits right in” I think of it more as “carried by”.

I’ve certainly nothing against him as an individual or his attitude, and yep, he has come through our ranks, so I instinctively want him to do well.

It’s just being hard-headed about it, I’ve seen enough to think he’s not the answer for a team aspiring to win at home and in Europe every year. I’ve detailed my view of his weaknesses on here plenty before, so won’t go over the same old ground. Lower down the football pecking order, absolutely, he could have a great career.

And your response similar - It will be interesting to see - I remember the ratings he was getting at the start of last season was very good - then his form went over the cliff when the teams also did.

As you say will be interesting to see what happens with his career from here on in. Looking at the way the top teams are looking to sign the best from around the world now its going to be very difficult for anyone to be able to come in and keep up the rest.

 

[bluealf]

It’s just being hard-headed about it, I’ve seen enough to think he’s not the answer for a team aspiring to win at home and in Europe every year. I’ve detailed my view of his weaknesses on here plenty before, so won’t go over the same old ground. Lower down the football pecking order, absolutely, he could have a great career.

Being hard headed, indeed.

He isn't good enough to play for a team that aspires to win everything, while also playing for a team that has won everything.

He could have a great career, indeed.

Seems to be having a cracking career so far, closing in on 100 appearances for his boyhood club and capped for his country.

 

[chesterbells]

Being hard headed, indeed.

He isn't good enough to play for a team that aspires to win everything, while also playing for a team that has won everything.

He could have a great career, indeed.

Seems to be having a cracking career so far, closing in on 100 appearances for his boyhood club and capped for his country.

In what universe is 58 “closing in on 100”? Not mine. He’s had those appears and been largely underwhelming; nowhere near the level of the difference-makers we need in the front 6 positions against top opposition, and has been exposed repeatedly when playing at RB. What we’ve won has largely not been because of his presence in the team; it’s arguably been in spite of it. Have a look at Phil Neville’s honours.

 

[bluealf]

In what universe is 58 “closing in on 100”? Not mine. He’s had those appears and been largely underwhelming; nowhere near the level of the difference-makers we need in the front 6 positions against top opposition, and has been exposed repeatedly when playing at RB. What we’ve won has largely not been because of his presence in the team; it’s arguably been in spite of it. Have a look at Phil Neville’s honours.

Well, it helps if you read what is said, he has played 94 times for City, we do play more than just league games, hence the fact I said 'Appearances'

Again, the rest of your drivel is your own opinion, which you are entitled to, as am I and others who think the lad is doing ok, I mean not many of us get the chance to score the winner in a semi-final for the club of your dreams.

What I will say to your 'exposed at RB' comment, try playing RB for Pep when you are expected to play 3 positions at once and see if you get caught out on occasion, blame Pep for that tactic not the player but a clever football expert like yourself will have known that anyway.

Here is his appearances, take 2 off because they were u21 games, probably that lower league cup.

​

 

[madloaf]

Many wanted Khusanov to play as a RB, in this case take the money and lets use Khusanov there when needed.

Nope.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

That’s fair comment bud, and a measured reply. The only point I’d identify as a difference there is when you say “fits right in” I think of it more as “carried by”.

I’ve certainly nothing against him as an individual or his attitude, and yep, he has come through our ranks, so I instinctively want him to do well.

It’s just being hard-headed about it, I’ve seen enough to think he’s not the answer for a team aspiring to win at home and in Europe every year. I’ve detailed my view of his weaknesses on here plenty before, so won’t go over the same old ground. Lower down the football pecking order, absolutely, he could have a great career.

He’s already part of a team that wins everything most years though. Hes played his part as well in a number of games.

Not every player has to world class or ready made. A number of players who’ve been crucial to our success haven’t been.

He’s already having a great career as well. If he’s not good enough, why do pep and the club disagree? And why would he have played in so many games?

 

[BedsBlue68]

In what universe is 58 “closing in on 100”? Not mine. He’s had those appears and been largely underwhelming; nowhere near the level of the difference-makers we need in the front 6 positions against top opposition, and has been exposed repeatedly when playing at RB. What we’ve won has largely not been because of his presence in the team; it’s arguably been in spite of it. Have a look at Phil Neville’s honours.

Wow highly impressive that we have won all those trophies "in spite" of having Lewis at right back. All those teams we have beaten with only 10 players on the pitch - the other 10 must be the best 10 players ever!

 

[1964]

wont be shocked to see him start on sat,also wont be against it.