Despite all the star talent that Manchester City deployed against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, it was youngster Nico O’Reilly who grabbed the headlines in a 3-1 win.
O’Reilly has regularly been included on Man City’s bench by Guardiola this season who evidently has a lot of faith in the young attacking midfielder.
O’Reilly often captains City’s under-21 side in the Premier League 2, a 19-year-old who does have an air of maturity and composure about his demeanour, despite his lack of experience at senior level.
Of course, it caught attention when Guardiola decided to start O’Reilly at left-back against Argyle.
The visitors impressed physically when knocking Liverpool out in the previous round of the competition, and O’Reilly actually helped prevent similar happening at the Etihad.
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Pep Guardiola has a plan set out for Nico O’Reilly
Usually, youngsters fresh on the scene are overawed by the physicality of senior football, but that could not be said of O’Reilly.
The 19-year-old executed two brilliant headers to get City level and then ahead after going 1-0 behind, earning praise from his manager.
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Speaking to Match of the Day after the game, Guardiola made some interesting comments about O’Reilly, including where he perhaps sees his future long-term in Manchester.
It seems as if using the youngster as a left-back was predominantly an experiment, a player who he still envisioned as a physical presence in attacking midfield.
Speaking after O’Reilly’s two goals, Guardiola said: “He is not a typical academy player. He’s a physical presence – a number 10, I would say.
“He can play in a few positions. He’s a threat from set pieces because he’s strong. I’m really pleased for him because he helped us a lot.”
Nico O’Reilly happy to play ‘anywhere’ for Man City
O’Reilly himself also commented on his experience of playing in a new position, admitting that he would fulfill any role for Guardiola as long as it meant he was playing.
The youngster seems to be impressing with his attitude both on and off the pitch right now, a name we might begin to see more often in the first team.
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Initially speaking about his performance as a whole, O’Reilly said: “It’s an amazing feeling to score, especially at a club like this – the team I grew up playing for.
“It was a very tough game, very physical, very direct. We knew it was going to be and we tried to match it. We got the job done and I’m happy.
“I don’t mind playing anywhere. Wherever the gaffer puts me, I’m happy with. I want to get more minutes, keep my head down and keep going.”
An excellent young talent, and the latest player who Guardiola will be hoping to turn into an England international.
