33 | Nico O'Reilly - 2025/26

[Father Paul]

The issue was, diallo wasnt his man which was my point at the start but he got dragged out when savinho wasnt tracking back. Im not saying hes the answer going forward versus other teams, I just thought defensively he was excellent on sunday and thats all we can ask for against a very tricky winger esp for a player still learning to be a defender and learning to be a premier league player. I would probably agree with you and go with Ake on Sunday if hes fully fit. Hes always done well against Arsenal from what i can remember!

I seem to remember one amazing clearance off the line? I think who plays tonight might dictate who plays there on Sunday. A spot of rotation might be in order.

 

[Kippax Kidd]

If we are playing an inverted full back its NOR all day for that rather than somebody on the other side doing it.

 

[jollylescott]

He's really developing as a left back. He and Khusa were both impenetrable today. Well done young man!

 

[Gabriel]

A fairly easy ride for him tonight, but he’s looking stronger and no longer breathing through his sphincter after 70 minutes. Arsenal will be his toughest test yet this season.

 

[denTTony]

Looking more comfortable with each game,, no real problems for him

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

First choice at left back for me currently

 

[Mattyc55]

So good at winning his 1v1 duels

 

[SamTheGuru]

So good at winning his 1v1 duels

There are quite a lot that are last ditch tackles but he is winning them :D

 

[MCFCFanTX]

He's improving game by game. Height is an added bonus in duels and set pieces. Big future for Nico.

 

[Gorbachev]

Looks an absolute unit at left back. A proper athlete.

 

[mdj0520]

Lb should now be his to lose. We look much better with him in the side atm.

RAN will come good but he shouldn't be walking back in as soon as he's fit.

 

[city5189]

I think RAN might struggle to get a game while nico is in this form.

 

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

He almost got a goal after a beautiful one two combination but unfortunately he miscontrolled the crucial touch. So much potential, our new Milner (Hopefully that comparison only applies to his versatility)

 

[117 M34]

I can see him converting to left back permanently as he is doing well there.

I never watched him play attacking midfield in the youth team but I've not seen him have the attributes of an attacking midfielder that we saw with foden, Palmer or mcatee.

 

[lightning Rodri]

I can see him converting to left back permanently as he is doing well there.

I never watched him play attacking midfield in the youth team but I've not seen him have the attributes of an attacking midfielder that we saw with foden, Palmer or mcatee.

As long as Pep is here, playing at LB is as much a footballing education as playing midfield under anyone else. Hope he decides to stick around and Pep keeps playing him.

 

[IrishBloodEnglishHeart]

Nico > Aït Nouri all day

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

What a guy. Another big game sunday but he’s smashing it at the mo

 

[Dax777]

Lb should now be his to lose. We look much better with him in the side atm.

RAN will come good but he shouldn't be walking back in as soon as he's fit.

We've played against a shit Grimsby and a 10 msn team. He has been brilliant, but we haven't faced a decent opposition yet.

 

[Dawsenna]

Are we sure we gave the right academy graduate the new contract in my opinion this kid has everything to transition to senior football as a full back that rico does not he can recover well he can head he’s strong and he’s aggressive and he has the stamina to get up and down

 

[OB1]

I can see him converting to left back permanently as he is doing well there.

I never watched him play attacking midfield in the youth team but I've not seen him have the attributes of an attacking midfielder that we saw with foden, Palmer or mcatee.

I’d like to hear his thoughts on converting to be an LB.