Pep Guardiola has hailed Rico Lewis as ‘something special’ after the Manchester City teenager made Champions League history against Sevilla.
Lewis marked his full debut with an equaliser as City came from behind to beat the Spanish side 3-1 at the Etihad, with the 17-year-old eclipsing Karim Benzema as the youngest player to score on his first start in the Champions League.
The full-back produced an accomplished performance as City concluded their group stage campaign with a win and received a standing ovation from an appreciative home crowd following his late substitution.
Lewis has been a part of the club’s academy set-up since the age of eight and Guardiola was delighted with his impact in the senior side. The Spaniard hailed the boyhood City fan as ‘something special’ and insists that Lewis has earned his chance with the first team.
“We see him every day, we don’t give out presents here,” Guardiola said following the win.
“Not just because he’s a Manchester City fan and from the academy, he has to earn it. But we’ve since day one that this guy has something special.
“He’s aggressive enough defensively but does have a lot of margin to improve and with the ball when playing inside he is so good. And outside he showed today with his crossing and finishing.”
