In a dominant 5-0 victory against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup, Manchester City showcased an exceptional performance led by the outstanding teenager, Rico Lewis. The match at the Etihad Stadium saw Pep Guardiola’s side easily dispatch the Championship team after an initial push from the Terriers.
City’s breakthrough came with Phil Foden opening the scoring, followed by Julian Alvarez adding a second shortly after.
The second half witnessed Oscar Bobb’s cross deflecting in, and Foden securing a brilliant second goal with a fine finish from the edge of the box. Jeremy Doku added the final touch, with Kevin De Bruyne delighting City fans by providing the assists.
While the team had an impressive afternoon, it was the players who made the challenging encounter seem effortless, particularly the exceptional Rico Lewis. The 19-year-old’s remarkable form was on full display throughout the game, contributing significantly to City’s success.
Lewis, a crucial part of the lineup after missing the Premier League match against Sheffield United, initially started in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic. However, due to Manuel Akanji’s injury, he seamlessly transitioned to right-back, showcasing versatility beyond his years.
Lewis demonstrated maturity and exceptional ball control, ending the game with the second-most touches (131), trailing only Ruben Dias (167), according to Sofascore data. His passing accuracy was impeccable, attempting 118 passes and completing an astounding 112, resulting in an impressive 95% completion rate.
What sets Lewis apart is not just the quantity but the quality of his passes, as evidenced by him having the most ‘important’ passes in the game, totaling four. His impact was undeniable, particularly in City’s second goal, where he touched Matheus Nunes’ cross before Alvarez found the net.
Despite Huddersfield’s promising start, the match turned into a stroll for City, but Lewis’ performance continued to captivate, defying expectations for a player of his age.
The remarkable aspect of Lewis’ display was his seamless transition between positions, adapting flawlessly to Akanji’s injury. Continuously demanding the ball and showcasing composure, Lewis proved instrumental in City’s dominance.
Considering Lewis is just 19 years old, his ability to dictate and influence games at this level is nothing short of extraordinary. The prospect of his growth and development in the coming years is awe-inspiring, leaving football enthusiasts eager to witness the heights this phenomenal young talent can reach.
