Pep Guardiola hailed Rico Lewis as “one thing particular” after {the teenager} turned Manchester Metropolis’s youngest Champions League goalscorer on Wednesday.
The fitting-back, aged 17 years and 346 days, marked his first senior begin by netting Metropolis’s equaliser as they got here from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 of their closing Champions League group sport.
It was a candy second for the Manchester-born teen, who took full benefit of a possibility to play within the persevering with absence of injured England worldwide Kyle Walker.
“We don’t give presents as a result of he’s a Man Metropolis fan or from the academy,” stated Metropolis supervisor Guardiola. “It’s a must to earn it.
“However we’ve seen him since day one in every of pre-season. This man has one thing particular.
“Defensively he’s aggressive and with the ball he’s so good. In fact he has lots to enhance however the academy right here is working amazingly.”
Lewis’ strike early within the second half cancelled out a first-half header from Rafa Mir and Metropolis went on to win comfortably with additional objectives from Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez.
Lewis was substituted 5 minutes from time and, as he was on the far facet of the sphere on the time, earned an enormous reception as he walked across the discipline again to the bench.
“He made a standing ovation all the best way spherical,” stated Guardiola. “He performed actually good.
“He’s 17 years previous however he’s so intelligent, so clever. You say one thing, he understands every thing. I’m comfortable for him.”
It was additionally a great night time for Alvarez, who scored one and offered the passes for the opposite two objectives.
Guardiola stated: “There isn’t a one participant within the locker room who isn’t comfortable for him. He’s a particular man. He was affected person and located the house and bought the rewards he deserved.”
There had been little using on the sport with Metropolis already by way of to the final 16 as Group G winners.
Guardiola stated: “In fact we had certified however we completed nicely. For the cash and the status it’s good for the membership. It was a great night time for us, particularly the second half.”
Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli felt his facet pale after a robust begin.
The previous Argentina supervisor, who was appointed final month and is bidding to show round a poor begin to the season, stated: “We have been fairly snug and controlling the sport.
“We put in a terrific effort mentally and bodily however then shot ourselves within the foot with a few unforced errors, which spoiled a variety of the great work we did.”
