Manchester City comfortably beat Villarreal 2-nil at the Estadio de la Ceràmica on Tuesday. The win sees Pep Guardiola’s side sit on seven points after their first three UEFA Champions League league phase matches. They also extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions with their victory in Spain. There were many positives on display for City in their win over Villarreal. One of the biggest was the performance of Rico Lewis in midfield. Lewis played a key role for City in their win. It now seems that his future lies as a midfielder, playing in a role that suits the strengths of Rico Lewis’ game.
Rico Lewis played a key role for Manchester City in their win over Villarreal.
When the starting lineups were announced before Tuesday’s match, Rico Lewis returned to the City starting eleven. The England international has been mainly used as a substitute after starting City’s earlier games this season. He lined up in midfield playing in a role he always seemed destined to fulfil. Lewis has predominantly played at right-back for Manchester City since rising through the academy ranks. But he is a midfielder by trade, and he has patiently waited for an opportunity to play in Manchester City’s midfield. That chance came at the Estadio de la Ceràmica and Lewis seized it with both hands.
Rico Lewis started in midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side, playing in an advanced role, alongside Bernardo Silva, with Nico playing behind the pair. John Stones stepped into midfield when City had possession. Rico Lewis has always been an intelligent player who thrives in the half spaces and the space that Erling Haaland’s presence provides. Against Villarreal, especially in the first half, Lewis and his ability to get into dangerous space were key in Manchester City’s dominant display. He drifted into a dangerous area for City’s opening goal in Spain. Savinho picked out Lewis in the Villarreal penalty area. Lewis cut the ball back for Haaland to fire City into the lead. That goal showed what Lewis provides Pep Guardiola’s side when he plays in midfield. He’s an attacking threat, and his intelligence and technical ability is a weapon for his team.
Another game, another goal! 💥@ErlingHaaland ✨ pic.twitter.com/L6OAWqtWys
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 22, 2025
Throughout the game, Rico Lewis took up dangerous positions in the final third. His composure stood out, and there were signs that Lewis was striking up an understanding with Savinho on the right wing. For Rico Lewis, he has long waited for an opportunity to play in midfield. It came against Villarreal, and he seized it with both hands.
Pep Guardiola was thrilled with the performance of Rico Lewis against Villarreal.
Speaking after his team’s comfortable win over Villarreal, Pep Guardiola was thrilled with the performance that Rico Lewis put in. He revealed that the game was the ideal one for Lewis to slot into midfield with what the England international offers his team. Speaking on Rico Lewis’s performance, Pep Guardiola said: “*I adore that player. He is so intelligent in small spaces. Maybe man-marking and more duels, he struggles a little bit more, but when teams like Villarreal do zonal marking exceptionally, you need a top player like Rico who moves well in that position.*”
“*Rico is a top-class player when you have to play in that way. We need fresh legs. We play Saturday, Tuesday and travel.*”
Rico Lewis has always seemed destined for a career playing in Manchester City’s midfield. He has had to be patient waiting for that opportunity. It arrived against Villarreal, and he seized it with both hands. Looking ahead, Rico Lewis will have an important role to play for his team as they contend with a heavy schedule. Looking at Lewis’s performance against Villarreal, it is clear that he will play in midfield and offer plenty for his team. That was a major positive for Manchester City to take from their win at the Estadio de la Ceràmica.