‘I never could have done it at my age’ – Chelsea legend Ashley Cole praises Manchester City defender
Chelsea legend Ashley Cole says Manchester City teenager Rico Ruiz’s versatility is an attribute that his contemporaries lacked. The 18-year-old is enjoying his breakout season at the Etihad.
In total, Lewis has made 18 appearances in the competition, scoring one goal. He was impressive in City’s 6-0 defeat of Burnley in the EFL Championship in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (18 March). The versatile defender played in an unfamiliar midfield defensive position but did not look out of place, posting 3 tackles and 1 clearance.
city of manchester Thanks to a hat-trick from Erling Haaland, a brace from Julian Alvarez and a goal from Cole Palmer, they blew the Claret. Lewis entered the game after earning his England U21 call-up.
former Chelsea Left-back Cole is the England youth team coach. He took the time to praise the City starlet, The Sun reports:
“Rico shows his importance in being adaptable at such a young age. He can play as a right-back, centre-back and even a small left-back. He came through the Man City group with Pep’s ‘do this’ idea. He’s adapted so well and you can see the growth he’s had. ”
Cole went on to say that Lewis showed versatility at a time when he didn’t show it:
“I certainly couldn’t do it at that age. I wasn’t conscious of the game, but I was able to do it with high quality and focus.”
Lewis’ meteoric ascent this season has been essential for Citizen in need of depth. Full-back João Cancelo has fallen out of favor with Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich loaned in January. Lewis has found success in whatever role his manager has given him.
Chelsea and Manchester City are in contention for Romeo Labia
Romeo Lavia is fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most popular teenage midfielders. The 19-year-old has made 1 goal and 1 assist in his 24 appearances for the Saints this season.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City are in a good position to sign Ravia, who moved from the Etihad to St Mary’s for £12m last summer. However, Citizens face stiff competition from Big Six rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
City have a £40m buy-back clause for the Belgian midfielder, which won’t come into effect until the summer of 2024. It might be Lavia that you want to keep an eye on in the summer.