Pundit issues Rico Lewis claim after Man City source’s ‘huge’ reveal
Frank McAvennie has insisted Rico Lewis has a “big future” at Man City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said no amount of youth games compares to the experience young players get from playing for the first team.
On Saturday (7 January), sources told this site that City are ready to offer the 18-year-old a huge pay rise to commit his long-term future to the Manchester giants.
The defender’s current contract expires in the summer of 2024 and Pep Guardiola is keen to open talks on a new and improved agreement.
Lewis has made six Premier League appearances so far this season as well as two appearances in the Champions League under Guardiola.
The youngster was benched for the league game against Chelsea on 5 January but was brought on at half time with the score at 0-0.
City went on to win the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Riyad Mahrez, who was also a substitute.
McAvennie hailed Guardiola’s decision to give Lewis a chance in the first team.
“I am a great believer that it does not matter how old you are, if you are good enough you have to come in,” he told Football Insider.
“It is a young guy’s game now. No matter how many games you play at under-21 there is nothing better than when you go into the first team and play in front of the crowd with seasoned pros in front of you.
“You learn more in that one game than what you would in three or four games for the under-21s.
“He is going to get better if he comes in and plays with top quality players. Pep obviously thinks he is ready. He is bringing him in because he is good enough not because of injury problems. Pep obviously sees a huge future for him.“
In other news, a pundit has issued verdict on behind-the-scenes bust-up at Man City after what he’s seen – ‘Pep’s laying down the law’.