**Manchester City’s Rising Star: Nico O’Reilly Shines in Pre-Season Tour**
Manchester City is currently in the midst of their pre-season tour in the United States, and one young player has caught the attention of manager Pep Guardiola: Nico O’Reilly. The 19-year-old midfielder has impressed in the team’s friendlies, including a 2-2 draw against Barcelona, and is now in line to be part of the squad for the upcoming season.
O’Reilly’s performances have been a surprise package for Guardiola, who has been impressed by the teenager’s physicality and ability to play in a deeper central midfield position. Against Barcelona, O’Reilly notched City’s first equalizer of the night, breaking the lines to meet Josko Gvardiol’s incisive pass.
“I wasn’t expecting to play any games to be honest, obviously the manager has trusted me and I’m just trying to do my best,” O’Reilly said after the game. “I know there’s a lot more to come from myself, to be a bit sharper on the pitch, but it will come with time and a bit of experience.”
O’Reilly’s rise to prominence is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He joined the club at six and captained the Under 18s to a league title two seasons ago. After recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained at the beginning of last year, O’Reilly was invited to train with Guardiola’s group on a regular basis.
Guardiola has hinted that O’Reilly has forced his way into his first-team squad plans, saying: “I’m pretty sure Nico can help us. He can play the role of holding midfield, he can do it, if Rodri isn’t there.”
O’Reilly’s performances have also earned him praise from his teammates, with Oscar Bobb and Mahamadou Susoho, another young midfielder, also impressing on the tour.
With the Community Shield against Chelsea just around the corner, O’Reilly will be hoping to continue his impressive form and stake a claim for a regular spot in City’s first team.