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Nico O’Reilly has now firmly established himself as an important player for Manchester City this season. The young midfielder has played 39 times this season in all competitions, contributing six goals and five assists. Outside of that, Nico O’Reilly has moved from left-back to midfield, a move that has brought out his best. Also, his move to midfield shows just how important O’Reilly is to his team. Playing in midfield for a Pep Guardiola side comes with responsibility, and that responsibility has rested easy on Nico O’Reilly’s shoulders. The young midfielder has also shown that he belongs in the City first team, which speaks volumes about Nico O’Reilly as a player.
The move of Nico O’Reilly to midfield has brought out the best in him.
Earlier this season, Nico O’Reilly thrived at left-back. O’Reilly was so good at left-back that he earned his first England cap and he also kept Rayan Ait-Nouri out of the Manchester City lineup when the Algerian international was fit earlier this season. Recently, Nico O’Reilly was moved into midfield where he has shone. Playing alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva in the City engine room has brought out the best in Nico O’Reilly. His brace against Newcastle in Manchester City’s important 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s side was a fitting reward for Nico O’Reilly’s strong recent form. More important than that, Nico O’Reilly has added physicality to Manchester City’s midfield, which has been massive given how the Premier League has evolved and how important winning duels in midfield has become.
In a recent interview with mancity.com, Nico O’Reilly has explained what he adds to the Manchester City midfield. O’Reilly explained that his ability to win duels in midfield helps his team, and he is enjoying playing in midfield. He explained: “I’m adding a bit more physicality in [midfield] and I’m winning duels – I think it helps these players out so much who are so good on the ball and dictate the game.”
“It’s just about breaking up the play in the middle and get those players on the ball… any of these players – I think it helps out and that’s what I’m there to do. I’m enjoying it!”
Nico O’Reilly clearly has a bright future at Manchester City.
Given how well Nico O’Reilly has performed this season, it is easy to forget that he is only 20 years old. O’Reilly plays with a maturity that is well beyond his age. With his technical ability, size, and physical attributes, Nico O’Reilly is almost the prototypical modern-day Premier League midfielder. Looking further ahead, the football world is Nico O’Reilly’s oyster based on his impressive form this season.
Nico O’Reilly has the potential to be a key player for both club and country for years to come. It would be a major shock if O’Reilly isn’t included in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup. That should be the first of many major tournaments that O’Reilly will feature in for his country. For Manchester City, Nico O’Reilly looms as a key player in Manchester City’s future. O’Reilly could be the future of Manchester City’s midfield given his talent and potential. Everyone associated with Manchester City is hoping that O’Reilly becomes a key player for his team for years to come.
The responsibility of playing in midfield has brought out the best in Nico O’Reilly. His game has gone to another level in recent weeks. If Nico O’Reilly’s recent performances are any indication of the player he will become, he will be a key player for both club and country.