Manchester City’s 17-year-old sensation Rico Lewis was lauded by manager Pep Guardiola after scoring on his full senior debut against Sevilla in the Champions League group game.
Sevilla striker Rafa Mir put the LaLiga side ahead in the first half, but Lewis equalised just after the break at the Etihad Stadium, powering home a shot after being played in by Julian Alvarez.
Guardiola started Lewis in place of the injured England international Kyle Walker, and the teenager made the most of his chance, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted for Joao Cancelo in the 85th minute.
“What a goal. He’s a fantastic player, so intelligent. He understands everything. He made a fantastic goal and played really well. We don’t give presents because he is a Man City fan or from the academy. We’ve seen him since day one of pre-season. This guy has something special,”
Guardiola told BT Sport after the match.
Lewis, who captained City’s U18s to Premier League Northern and National title success last year, became the youngest player in Champions League history to score on his debut, breaking Karim Benzema’s record from 2005. The Englishman player set the new record at 17 years and 346 days, while the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner scored for Lyon at 17 years and 352 days.
Moreover, Lewis’ goal came on the same day when he became the fifth Englishman under the age of 18 to start a Champions League game, joining Jack Wilshere, Josh McEachran, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham.
The Citizens will host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium. City are currently second in the points table with 29 points and only behind Arsenal, who have 31 in their kitty.
