Pep Guardiola says ‘exceptional’ Man City gem is missing one thing to become one of the best players in England

Pep Guardiola believes that Rico Lewis would be “considered one of thҽ best players in thҽ Premier League” if he was “a little bit taller.”

Lewis has been making a name for himself at thҽ Etihad across thҽ past season and a half. thҽ 18-year-old has already featured in 30 first-team games while he is an established member of thҽ England U21 squad.

His versatility has been put to good use by Guardiola, having featured at right-back and in central midfield at various points this term.

Thҽ youngster can pick a pass, put in a tackle, has pace to burn and good awareness for someone with a relative lack of experience.

With all of that taken into account, Guardiola told reporters thҽ 5ft 7in prodigy is missing just one thing: a bit of height.

On thҽ youngster, Guardiola said: “If he was a little bit taller he’d be considered one of thҽ best players in thҽ Premier League.

“He’s an exceptional, exceptional player. Every game he played has been high standard, in all departments. We are really, really pleased.”

Since making his senior debut for thҽ Citizens back in August last year, thҽ teenager has gone on to make 33 appearances for Guardiola’s side across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists.

Both of those assists have come in thҽ Champions League this season, with Lewis completing thҽ full 90 minutes in three of City’s four group games.

City have moved to ensure that thҽy will be thҽ ones to benefit from Lewis’ undoubted potential, with thҽ youngster one of those to have signed a new contract this season that has him tied to thҽ reigning Premier League champions through to thҽ summer of 2028.