Teenager is establishing himself in defence, but his versatility suggests a future in midfield

Rico Lewis floats from full-back into Manchester City’s midfield and ­further upfield with such ease he is the blueprint Pep Guardiola footballer. At 19, the boy from Bury is a veteran of two Premier League title wins, including in the treble triumph of two seasons ago in his breakthrough campaign, and is emerging as the closest Guardiola has to a long-term ­successor to Rodri as his pivotal ­holding player.

Or to Ilkay Gündogan, the No 8. The more advanced playmaker could be an option, too. This could be dismissed as hyperbole were it not the manager’s assessment when asked whether Lewis can operate in these roles. “He can play in every position, he is so smart,” Guardiola says.