Pep Guardiola says Rico Ruiz ‘modified the sport’ after Manchester Metropolis’s 1-0 win over Chelsea within the half-time introduction, exhibiting the 18-year-old’s potential to enhance the performances of these round him. praised.
Metropolis had been second at Stamford Bridge within the first half, however fortunately they did not fall behind when Kearney Chucuemeka hit a low shot contained in the posts simply earlier than the interval.
Nonetheless, their efficiency improved dramatically after Guardiola acquired Luis and Manuel Akanji, changing Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker, serving to Metropolis obtain an important breakthrough.
Two different substitutes, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez, mixed to attain the decisive aim and Guardiola later joked that he was the ‘genius’ of the change, however the Metropolis boss was above all on the press convention. I wished to emphasise Lewis’ contribution.
The Academy graduate often performs at right-back, however after Bernardo Silva’s departure he moved into central midfield and helped Guardiola’s aspect dominate the sport.
“We did not have a superb first half. We had been sloppy and did not do a lot. The press was too poor and unorganized,” stated Guardiola when requested about his replacements.
“In current video games, Rico has proven his potential to enhance in midfield.
“Some gamers play for themselves, however he has the flexibility to enhance the play of the entire crew.
“He at all times is aware of when to go inside and what to do. He modified the sport.”
Lewis has began three video games in a row earlier than heading to Stamford Bridge and appears set to play a key position in Metropolis’s silver trophy later this season.
“After coming again [from the World Cup] He is taking part in and he is an necessary participant for us,” added Guardiola.
“The second half was a very completely different Man Metropolis, a distinct rhythm. He modified the dynamic from the primary minute.”
Rico Ruiz changed Joao Cancelo at half-time
There have been phrases of reward from sky sports activities the evaluate crew.
Karen Carney stated: “Manchester Metropolis’s rhythm was higher when he got here in.
“Pep Guardiola at all times talks about rhythm, Rico Ruiz got here to the middle of the pitch and alongside Rodri helped cease counter-attacks defensively, placing higher gamers in higher positions. I began to seek out my rhythm.
“He is technically good and for such a younger participant to have the intelligence of the sport is what makes him so particular.”
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink added:
“He is very disciplined on the subject of crew group, he at all times performs easy, with or with out the ball. When he must go, he runs into house and retains the ball.
“That is what Pep needs. He likes gamers who maintain the ball and contact one, two, generally three. He is the Pep sort of participant.”
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Nick Wright of Sky Sports activities at Stamford Bridge:
Guardiola’s belief in Luis is a testomony to not solely that he relied on him to remodel a sport of this magnitude, but additionally that he pushed him into midfield havoc.
Metropolis had been determined within the first half as they struggled to manage the middle of the pitch with the facility and physicality of Denis Zakaria, Carny Çukuemeka and Mateo Kovacic.
However with the arrival of Lewis, issues modified. His cross depend confirmed some composure. {The teenager} accomplished all 27 of his tried passes and Metropolis had been capable of put Chelsea below sustained stress within the build-up to aim.
He stored his passing easy, which is precisely what Metropolis wanted and, as Guardiola stated after the sport, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and others to carry out higher. gave us the platform we wanted.
Off the ball he was arguably extra spectacular, however at occasions he performed at right-back, alongside Rodri to assist defend Metropolis’s protection, made two profitable tackles, and was extra spectacular by way of positioning. He additionally displayed spectacular tactical intelligence.
His strong efficiency is made all of the extra spectacular by the truth that he has performed simply 191 minutes within the Premier League up to now. Rico Ruiz, Metropolis’s future in addition to its current.