Guardiola hails Man City star after win over Liverpool

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has singled out youngster Rico Lewis for praise following his side’s Carabao Cup round of 16 win over Liverpool on Thursday night.

Guardiola said Lewis was exceptional for Man City against Liverpool, adding that the Premier League champions are lucky to have him at the club.

Lewis was handed a start at the right-back position for the high-profile match, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo absent after featuring for their countries at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 18-year-old was impressive as goals from Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Ake ensured Man City defeated Liverpool.

Fabio Carvalho and Mohamed Salah did score for Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Etihad.

“First half, the academy boys played really well,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. It has been a long time since I have seen a performance like Rico Lewis, a long long time ago.

“He’s 17 or 18 years old and has played against Liverpool, against big stars up front. The way he played with and without the ball, we are incredibly lucky to have this player for the next decade.

“Hopefully, the club can take him, the game he played was exceptional.”