82 | Rico Lewis - 2024/25

[super_city_si]

I think this run of three consecutive starts will have done his confidence the world of good.

He must know that he is an integral part of Pep's system, and not just a stand-in, when Kyle needs a rest.

As much as I’m a fan of Boulders in the hybrid defender/midfielder rôle, Rico is much better at it.

Steady on. Rico has done brilliantly and is big part of the reason we havent missed Rodri yet. The system has clicked with him in there, BUT Stones destroyed Real Madrid, Dippers, Arsenal in that role. Rico can get there but he's not up to Stones level of 2023 yet.

 

[mexico1970]

Steady on. Rico has done brilliantly and is big part of the reason we havent missed Rodri yet. The system has clicked with him in there, BUT Stones destroyed Real Madrid, Dippers, Arsenal in that role. Rico can get there but he's not up to Stones level of 2023 yet.

Rico (Zico) has done really well there's no getting away with that but I am going to be a bit controversial here and I expect to get my balls kicked in for it.

It's beginning to sound a bit RAWKish on here with the view that Rico is in the same ballpark as Merlin.

 

[bluenova]

Rico (Zico) has done really well there's no getting away with that but I am going to be a bit controversial here and I expect to get my balls kicked in for it.

It's beginning to sound a bit RAWKish on here with the view that Rico is in the same ballpark as Merlin.

I agree that it's too early to judge. At the same age, Silva wasn't in the same ballpark as City's Merlin. He'd just completed a loan at Celta Vigo, and this would be his first full season at Valencia. He hadn't made his international debut, and was four years away from his move to City.

We really have no idea what level Rico will hit, but he is looking hugely impressive at the moment.

 

[mexico1970]

I agree that it's too early to judge. At the same age, Silva wasn't in the same ballpark as City's Merlin. He'd just completed a loan at Celta Vigo, and this would be his first full season at Valencia. He hadn't made his international debut, and was four years away from his move to City.

We really have no idea what level Rico will hit, but he is looking hugely impressive at the moment.

I absolutely agree he looks impressive, IMHO Merlin is the best player we have had since the premier league era only second to King Colin it's got to be a pretty huge claim to compare the two in any way.

 

[crazyadi]

Rico (Zico) has done really well there's no getting away with that but I am going to be a bit controversial here and I expect to get my balls kicked in for it.

It's beginning to sound a bit RAWKish on here with the view that Rico is in the same ballpark as Merlin.

Think the difference is, on RedAndWhiteKillers, As soon as a baby is born to a dipper mum the kid is going to be the next real ronaldo. We have seen Rico, consistently play very very well. We have every right to laud him. its not like he had a handful of good games. Or is in 'nunes' case 0 good games yet Haaland, allegedly, isn't fit to clean his boots!! hahahaha

 

[mexico1970]

Think the difference is, on RedAndWhiteKillers, As soon as a baby is born to a dipper mum the kid is going to be the next real ronaldo. We have seen Rico, consistently play very very well. We have every right to laud him. its not like he had a handful of good games. Or is in 'nunes' case 0 good games yet Haaland, allegedly, isn't fit to clean his boots!! hahahaha

Ohh I rate him but putting him in the Merlin category? He deserves his place in the squad and more but some of the praise IMHO is a bit RAWKish.

 

[Dribble]

Ohh I rate him but putting him in the Merlin category? He deserves his place in the squad and more but some of the praise IMHO is a bit RAWKish.

David Silva is the best player I've ever seen in a City shirt. As for Zico (I'm nicking this one), he's a long way to go to get to Merlin's exhalted status.

However, there's similarities in their play, which I've long since noticed, & it's a trait Silva had naturally, & that was to always be looking around without the ball, so he had a picture of the game. This enabled him to make split second movements, that made him seem almost telepathic.

Look at Gundog & KDB. They do exactly the same, as does Rodri now. Scanning the field allows them to find space, & play rapid one/two touch passes, which bewilder & bewitch the opposition.

I recall Stones saying he was really uncomfortable when first asked to play the inverted right back role, & then centre back stepping into midfield.

He said he questioned Pep's plan as he wasn't sure if he was capable. Pep said he believed he was, & to watch Rico & ask him how to perform the role, which Stones did. This was after we'd completed the treble & shows how willing to learn & execute plans & tactics Rico is at such a young age, enabling him to coach it to seasoned international players.

Previously he had the demeanour of a star struck EDS lad, & opposition players knew if they clattered him a few times, it'd upset his mental balance & throw him off his stride.

So what's changed? Rico's grown up. He's a first team squad member who now believes he's good enough to be a first team regular. To watch him scanning the pitch all David Silva-esque is a sight to behold.

Fuck knows which position he'll end up specialising in, but whether right back, left back, CDM, No 8 or as a right winger, he seems to excel. He's all the attributes that Pep looks for in terms of intelligence, understanding & being flexible in game mode.

The only thing Pep wishes, is that he had a few more inches to his height, BUT being stumpy didn't stop Messi or Maradona.

Not saying Rico is at their level, or ever will be, but he's visually toughened up & isn't allowing himself to be bullied as easily as he was over the previous two seasons.

He's a shining example of our Elite Development Squad.

 

[Vienna_70]

View attachment 130855

David Silva is the best player I've ever seen in a City shirt. As for Zico (I'm nicking this one), he's a long way to go to get to Merlin's exhalted status.

However, there's similarities in their play, which I've long since noticed, & it's a trait Silva had naturally, & that was to always be looking around without the ball, so he had a picture of the game. This enabled him to make split second movements, that made him seem almost telepathic.

Look at Gundog & KDB. They do exactly the same, as does Rodri now. Scanning the field allows them to find space, & play rapid one/two touch passes, which bewilder & bewitch the opposition.

I recall Stones saying he was really uncomfortable when first asked to play the inverted right back role, & then centre back stepping into midfield.

He said he questioned Pep's plan as he wasn't sure if he was capable. Pep said he believed he was, & to watch Rico & ask him how to perform the role, which Stones did. This was after we'd completed the treble & shows how willing to learn & execute plans & tactics Rico is at such a young age, enabling him to coach it to seasoned international players.

Previously he had the demeanour of a star struck EDS lad, & opposition players knew if they clattered him a few times, it'd upset his mental balance & throw him off his stride.

So what's changed? Rico's grown up. He's a first team squad member who now believes he's good enough to be a first team regular. To watch him scanning the pitch all David Silva-esque is a sight to behold.

Fuck knows which position he'll end up specialising in, but whether right back, left back, CDM, No 8 or as a right winger, he seems to excel. He's all the attributes that Pep looks for in terms of intelligence, understanding & being flexible in game mode.

The only thing Pep wishes, is that he had a few more inches to his height, BUT being stumpy didn't stop Messi or Maradona.

Not saying Rico is at their level, or ever will be, but he's visually toughened up & isn't allowing himself to be bullied as easily as he was over the previous two seasons.

He's a shining example of our Elite Development Squad.

He’s a natural at the "defender moving into midfield" rôle.

That’s what I meant, when I said he is better than John at it.

Boulders has certainly learnt to play it brilliantly, but he had to become familiar with it, whereas, according to Pep, Rico is the originator of it.

 

[BlueKolarovWorker]

I think he'll end up at Iniesta levels.

Bookmark this and give me a shout in 8 years, 3 months, 4 days!!

 

[TheBlueCat]

Rico playing LB for England.. He’s not a LB, but was brilliant tonight. Every time he has played this season he had been outstanding. What a talent.. Kid is going to be a star. I keep saying it…