- Pep Guardiola made surprise request before FA Cup clash
- Manchester City youngster has embraced new responsibility
- Role change continues paying off for City
Nico O’Reilly has revealed the conversation with Pep Guardiola that led to a major positional change during his breakthrough period at Manchester City.
Nico O’Reilly has continued to gain valuable first-team experience under Pep Guardiola in Manchester City’s current campaign.
The Englishman has managed 2,378 minutes and 26 starts in the Premier League this season. The left-back has also scored five goals and three assists in the English top flight this campaign.
Likewise, his versatility has allowed him to feature in multiple roles for the senior side, although the latest change has accelerated his importance in the squad.
Nico O’Reilly reveals Pep Guardiola conversation before Salford clash
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Reilly explained that Guardiola first asked him to play left-back before the Salford clash in the FA Cup.
This decision proved significant since he has assisted once and scored three goals from the left-back position
“There’s was one day before Salford in the FA Cup, and [Pep] he said: ‘Do you wanna play left back?’ I’ve enjoyed it ever since, I’ve learnt so much,” O’Reilly said.
How O’Reilly fit the full-back role
While O’Reilly has often played as a midfielder this season, his role has drastically changed under Guardiola’s guidance.
His technical qualities and comfort in central zones made him a perfect candidate to be a full-back in City’s current system.
Instead of a traditional overlapping full-back, Guardiola uses an inverted full-back who moves into the midfield when in possession.
This creates overload in the midfield, helping the team in possession with extra bodies in central areas, allowing for an easier progression of the ball.
Naturally, midfield experience allowed him to switch roles quickly as he had the in-possession understanding of the new responsibility.
O’Reilly’s versatility could become crucial for Manchester City
With the Citizens having struggled to find a regular full-back for a long time now, O’Reilly’s versatility can prove important for the Carabao Cup winners.
Following Rodri’s injury, Guardiola is now also trusting the Englishman in central roles, having played him in the defensive midfielder position.
His experience as an inverted full-back gives him the on-ball intelligence of the role, leaving him to learn the off-ball logistics of the position.
Additionally, O’Reilly has also played as a left winger, scoring two goals against Newcastle United in the process.
The 21-year-old’s versatility can reduce City’s need to hastily increase depth in the transfer market, as they can rely on their academy graduate for emergencies.
