Nathan Ake had a one-word message to send to Rico Lewis after his brilliant performance for Manchester City against Crystal Palace.
As City beat Palace 4-2 on Saturday, Lewis’ impressive display perhaps prompted the question of why he has started as less as seven games in the Premier League this season.
Especially considering John Stones has missed a bulk of the ongoing campaign and according to Pep Guardiola, he was given a blueprint of how to play in an inverted role by the 19-year-old last season.
With that in mind, surely Lewis should have started a lot more games in the league with Stones’ fitness being a question mark but during the title run-in, he is starting to play regularly.
The Englishman is repaying Guardiola’s faith in him by not just putting in exemplary performances but popping up with important goals.
As Lewis scored during Manchester City’s latest win, the Catalan tactician also claimed that he has an eye for goal.
The teenager’s name was accompanied by Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland on the score sheet, with the midfield maestro scoring a brace.
What Nathan Ake said about Rico Lewis’ masterclass against Crystal Palace
The £25,000-a-week defender was spectacular on Saturday, even aside from his crucial strike.
When City had possession, the Bury-born right-back was deployed as a right-sided attacking midfielder.
As usual, Rico Lewis showcased that in tight pockets of space, he feels at home as he looked at ease while receiving the ball and playing it to teammates once again.
Lewis and Bobb’s relationship down the right flank was very encouraging, as the duo linked up nicely, with the former putting in an inch-perfect through ball for Alvarez.
Unfortunately, Julian Alvarez was unable to beat Dean Henderson in what could have been a cracking team goal from Manchester City.
It is fair to say that Lewis managed to impress fans and his fellow teammates with his assured performance.
One of them was Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who commented on Rico Lewis’ Instagram post after his side’s win against Crystal Palace, saying, “Top” followed by a fire emoji.
Phil Foden also did the same as the Dutchman, commenting, “Some player, you.”
Manchester City star Nathan Ake must have especially appreciated his performance
Manchester City wonderkid Rico Lewis must likely be buzzing to see a player of the calibre of Nathan Ake rave about his display against Crystal Palace.
But in our view, one would especially understand why Ake appreciated the versatile full-back’s display at Selhurst Park.
When the former Chelsea colossus plays as a left-back, he is either deployed in a back three or as a wide full-back, unlike Lewis.
Rico Lewis was tasked to partner Rodri, push into advanced areas of the pitch to contribute to the attack and defend as a traditional right-back.
To fulfil such responsibilities simultaneously are difficult for any and every player, let alone one as young as Lewis and as a result, Ake must have been blown away by how flawless he looked.