82 | Rico Lewis - 2022/23 Performances

[domalino]

My missus was saying last night that he was bringing back memories of David Silva.

He's getting an awful lot of flattering comparisons with some incredible players from a number of different positions.

Yes, it's that action of controlling the ball on the turn, then the second touch just shifts it to avoid an incoming tackle, then the third touch gets it out of your feet and running at the defence. Very Spanish.

 

[Stoned Rose]

Can’t believe the composure and awareness he has when coming inside at his age seems to be loving every minute of it as well

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[01cravend]

Get clattered, dust off and happily receive the ball again under pressure, clattered again, repeat. Elite mentality that, see many start hiding from the ball or adapt their play so they not receiving the ball with players around them. Rico just gets up and goes again.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Yes, it's that action of controlling the ball on the turn, then the second touch just shifts it to avoid an incoming tackle, then the third touch gets it out of your feet and running at the defence. Very Spanish.

It's a combination of phenomenal balance, agility and spacial awareness.

The way he bounced up after he blocked Perisic's shot reminded me of Shaun Wright-Phillips, just to throw another comparison in there.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this lad was made in a lab for Pep.

 

[lightning Rodri]

I really think he's going to play in midfield a lot more because we need both him and Walker in the side.

Pep tried the Walker CB idea to get them in the same team, not sure that worked, so the obvious next step is Rico playing next to Rodri. Pep's selection tonight showed that Bernardo and KDB are not undroppable.

I think it would really suit him too, you can see he wants to get forward more but is holding back so he can do his RB responsibilities, and he's already developed a great relationship with Rodri, combining quick 1-2s and movement to beat the press and getting each other out of trouble when they're under pressure.

Could he be our Gundo/Bernardo replacement? So far evidences says, yes.

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

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[BertTrautmann'sParachute]

He's seriously impressive. Wow.

 

[Charlesfarsbar]

He knits the defence and midfield together which on the face of it isnt a flashy job but it’s absolutely vital in this step up

hes always re positioning himself to give the guy on the ball the option , he receives and gives very quickly and then moves again to progress us through the thirds

amazing game intelligence for an 18 year old kid

we look a better team when he’s in it

which gives Pep some serious decisions over the next few weeks

I also think Ake is our most reliable left back , which again will be interesting to see how that pans out

 

[Stoned Rose]

Nice to see Paul Scholes in the background at the end.

 

[Stoned Rose]

He knits the defence and midfield together which on the face of it isnt a flashy job but it’s absolutely vital in this step up

hes always re positioning himself to give the guy on the ball the option , he receives and gives very quickly and then moves again to progress us through the thirds

amazing game intelligence for an 18 year old kid

we look a better team when he’s in it

which gives Pep some serious decisions over the next few weeks

I also think Ake is our most reliable left back , which again will be interesting to see how that pans out

Ake is actually our best “pure defender” defender imo.