Nico O’Reilly has described what he offers to the Manchester City midfield and his comments show just how varied his game can be.
Nico O’Reilly has been enjoying his recent plaudits after he scored two goals during Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle.
Following this exceptional performance, O’Reilly was named in the FC26 team of the week and there is a lot of expectation for him to perform at this level again against Leeds.
The 20-year-old is certainly not short on confidence after his deadly double, having established his place at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s team.
Nico O’Reilly reveals what he adds to Man City’s midfield
O’Reilly revealed earlier this month that he did not mind where he was playing so long as he was helping out the team. Therefore, he was willing to play as a left-back, defensive midfielder or even in a more forward thinking role.
However, it seems the young Englishman has found the position where he can help his club the most and that is in midfield.
He told Man City: “It was a great feeling to be able to score those two goals and win the game [against Newcastle].
“Obviously, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates there. Everyone works so hard on and off the ball. It’s a great feeling to have a moment like this in a title race.
“[I’m] adding a bit more physicality in [midfield] and I’m winning duels – I think it helps these players out so much who are so good on the ball and dictate the game.
“It’s just about breaking up the play in the middle and get those players on the ball… any of these players – I think it helps out and that’s what I’m there to do. I’m enjoying it!”
O’Reilly looks ahead to Leeds vs Man City
It is already clear that O’Reilly will face pressure on an individual level, but he is part of a team who are also feeling the weight of people’s expectations.
Man City have to keep on winning to stand a chance of winning the Premier League and their next opponent made life difficult last time the teams met.
“We just need to keep applying pressure now – every three points counts. We just need to keep going – we still have to play Arsenal here,” O’Reilly continued.
“There are teams still fighting and chasing – it’s a tough situation to be in but we just need to stick together and keep going.
“There’s a lot more pressure because we go into games knowing we need to win.
“All we need is three points. It’s about keeping a clear head and mind – keeping our heads down, working hard on the pitch – that’s what it comes down to.”
Praising his teammates, O’Reilly said: “The leaders and captains will get everyone ready for the game and hype us up. It gets us all in the right head space and mindset to go out on the pitch and put a performance in to get the three points.
“You learn so much [from them]. It helps you out so much going into games and having players’ trust – players who are world class players and have so much experience, played in every competition and won everything. It’s a big deal.”
The midfielder added: “[Elland Road] is a tough place to go to. They will want to win as well.
“We know it’s going to be tough – like every game in the Premier League. I remember when we played them at home – we know it’s going to be tough. We need to put a performance in to get the three points.”
