One versatile Manchester City youngster showed what he can do against Salford City | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola took the opportunity yesterday to play several of Manchester City’s younger players in their FA Cup third-round tie against Salford City. Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee, Divin Mubama and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey all impressed yesterday during City’s 8-nil win. But in the case of Nico O’Reilly, he showed that he has all of the tools and versatility required to kick on at Manchester City.

Nico O’Reilly lined up on the left-hand side of Manchester City’s defence yesterday. It was a position that the youngster has barely played during his young career. But he took to his role like a duck to water and put in an impressive display. In statistics sourced from SofaScore O’Reilly completed 61/69 of his passes. His ability with the ball was impressive. Physically and defensively he also held his own. He won 7/9 ground duels and also won both of his aerial duels. Those statistics show that O’Reilly has both the technical and physical ability to become a serious player for Manchester City. He also scored his first goal for the club when he scored City’s third goal of the evening.

But the fact that Nico O’Reilly stepped into City’s defence and played well adds another string to his bow. Typically O’Reilly plays as a midfielder. But based on what he showed yesterday the ability is there for the youngster to become a jack of all trades for Manchester City. He has the physical and technical ability to play a role for Pep Guardiola’s side. His versatility may also become something that becomes extremely useful going forward.

Nico O’Reilly showed plenty yesterday against Salford City. That was a huge positive to come out of the game from a City point of view. This season has so far been a learning experience for the young midfielder. Based on his performance against Salford City he is quickly learning what it takes to become a valuable member of the City squad in time.