Rico Lewis’ Man City ‘struggles’ could continue as new Enzo Maresca plan revealed
Rico Lewis is unlikely to become a regular for Man City despite impressing on a rare start in the Champions League, sources have told Football Insider.
Lewis registered two fine assists to help Phil Foden towards his hat-trick as City faced AEK Athens in midweek.
The 21-year-old full-back put in his best performance in a long while, having struggled for regular game time throughout 2026.
Lewis has started just three games across all competitions so far this season, with Matheus Nunes ahead of the England international in Enzo Maresca's right-back pecking order.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Lewis is not set to become a starter under Maresca soon, as he sticks with his established regulars in City's quest for Premier League and Champions League silverware.
The Citizens' academy graduate was linked with a move away in the summer, but is still under contract at the Etihad until 2030.
Rico Lewis unlikely to break into Enzo Maresca's Man City plans
Lewis has made 120 appearances for his boyhood club since breaking into the first team under Pep Guardiola in 2022.
He may be set for another season of reduced minutes, despite impressing in the Champions League, with other options preferred at full-back and in central midfield.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Rico Lewis has struggled for minutes. He had a very good game in the Champions League win against AEK Athens. Obviously, he's a player who's highly regarded at City, having come through the ranks.
"He can play in defence, can play midfield as well and is a good squad member for Manchester City, but nothing more."
Lewis' Athens display proved he can still be a huge asset to Maresca
Lewis was firmly on Nottingham Forest's radar over the summer, but City were keen to keep him around despite a lack of game time last term.
While he has still struggled for minutes since, he proved his quality at both ends of the pitch against AEK, creating the most chances (4) of any player on the pitch.
The 21-year-old also had the best pass accuracy (56/57, 98%) of any Citizens starter, while he won four ball recoveries and 100 per cent of his ground duels on a successful night.