Rico Lewis is a player transformed, his stats in Man City vs AEK Athens are eyecatching
Rico Lewis proved many of his doubters wrong on Tuesday with a fantastic performance as Manchester City beat AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League.
The 21-year-old provided assists for Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki, as the former stole the show with a superb hat-trick.
Lewis started the game at right-back and featured throughout, often drifting into midfield as he had done when he first broke through under Pep Guardiola.
The England international has been heavily touted to be set to leave Man City in the coming months, after making just 23 appearances across all competitions last season.
Lewis has only made four appearances this season so far, not featuring for a minute in the Premier League since the opening day victory over Bournemouth.
Yet Tuesday's display has proved a point to both Enzo Maresca and many fans, with the defender having proved that he is ready to compete for his place.
Rico Lewis records staggering stat line vs AEK Athens
Lewis broke through at Man City in the 2022-23 season, becoming a regular in Pep Guardiola's iconic treble-winning team at the age of just 18.
The 2024-25 campaign saw him make 43 appearances across all competitions, and there was little doubt that he would be a key player for years to come.
But last season saw that certainty slip, and it has been thought for some time now that Lewis was drifting towards an eventual exit at the Etihad Stadium.
The defender is under contract until 2030, however, and Tuesday night's display proved that he still has plenty to offer Maresca.
Lewis created four chances on the night - more than anybody else - with two of his cut-backs finding their way into the back of the net.
He was fouled once and enjoyed five touches in the opposition penalty box, in what was a fantastic attacking display.
And the 21-year-old got his defensive work done too, making a clearance, an interception and four recoveries, while winning 100 per cent of his ground duels.
Lewis enjoying Enzo Maresca return
Maresca was Guardiola's assistant manager in the 2022-23 season, when Lewis made his breakthrough.
The Englishman had fallen out of favour with Guardiola, but may well have a clean slate and a fresh opportunity under his new manager.
"Everything's clear, everyone knows the idea," Lewis said after Tuesday's game, when asked about the Italian. "When everyone knows the idea and everyone's onboard, that makes everything 10 times easier!
"Even if we do make mistakes, we're all going the same direction, we all know we're trying to do the right things.
"I think him coming back to a familiar building has helped him as well. But everything's going smooth right now!"