One Manchester City player put in the performance he needed against Exeter City

Rico Lewis has become the forgotten man of sorts in the Manchester City squad. Including his start yesterday, Lewis has made sixteen appearances in all competitions this season, the majority of those appearances have been as a late substitute. With the rise of Matheus Nunes at right-back and no clear role in Manchester City’s midfield, Lewis has had to be patient this season. Lewis started in Manchester City’s 10-1 win over Exeter City yesterday in the FA Cup, and he put in exactly the performance he needed for his confidence, if nothing else.

Rico Lewis was superb all over the pitch for Manchester City against Exeter City.

A player with the technical quality and intelligence of Rico Lewis should stand out against League One opposition. That is expected of a player who has become an important squad player for Manchester City over the past three seasons. Lewis did exactly that yesterday and he should take tremendous confidence out of his performance against Exeter City.

Rico Lewis nominally started at right-back for yesterday’s FA Cup third-round tie, but he barely played there. Instead, he inverted into midfield and almost played as a number eight or a number ten throughout Manchester City’s massive win. The class of Lewis stood out, and his play in the pockets was superb. He linked up tremendously well with Ryan McAidoo, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine Semenyo and others throughout yesterday’s match. His class stood out in possession throughout City’s win. Rico Lewis bagged a brace at the Etihad, which was a fine reward for Lewis in a performance that was a timely reminder of the quality the City academy graduate has.

Rico Lewis has a role to play across the second half of this season wherever that is.

Given his size, it is hard to say what Rico Lewis’ best position actually is. He can slot in at right-back, but he does struggle against quick and powerful wingers. The Manchester City midfield is stacked with options, and that is where Lewis plays his best football. His intelligence and technical ability make him a potential midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s setup. But a lack of consistent opportunities does hold him back at times.

Wherever the best position for Rico Lewis lies, he does have a role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side across the second half of this season. Manchester City need their squad players to contribute, and Lewis has the quality and understanding of the City system to do exactly that. He hasn’t featured prominently this season, and he did need a good performance yesterday for his own confidence and to remind everyone of what he can add to this City side. He did that yesterday against Exeter City, and it could set him up to be an important squad player throughout a crucial stage of the 2025/26 season.