Manchester City academy graduate Nico O'Reilly has shown his versatility in recent weeks and scored in the 3-0 victory over Fulham on Wednesday night.
Nico O'Reilly celebrates scoring for Manchester City in the 3-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League
Nico O'Reilly celebrates scoring for Manchester City in the 3-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Manchester City academy graduate Nico O'Reilly has told Pep Guardiola he is happy to play either at left-back, defensive midfield or attacking midfield to help the team after his goal in the 3-0 victory over Fulham on Wednesday night. O'Reilly came through the ranks at City as a midfielder but established himself in the first team at left-back.
O'Reilly managed to make the position his own, leaving summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri to wait for his opportunity. Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the former Wolves man has been given more chances by Guardiola.
The 24-year-old impressed against Liverpool on Sunday so retained his spot in the team at home to Fulham. O'Reilly started both of those matches in midfield and made a great impact in midweek as he scored City's second against Marco Silva's team. When asked about his versatility, O'Reilly insisted he was happy to play wherever he was needed.
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"I mean, I grew up there [in midfield] my whole life so I know the role pretty well," he told City's in-house media. "But yeah, I enjoy playing anywhere really in this team. The team is amazing.
"Rayan is doing so good at left-back as well. So I don’t mind if I’m left back, attacking midfielder, CDM, anywhere. I don’t mind. I’m over the moon with tonight. Got the three points. Scored three goals. The three points was the most important thing really. That’s what we need to keep doing. We need to keep pushing for it. I think we’re building great momentum."
City are now just three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table. However, the Gunners have a game in hand, which they will play tonight when they travel to Brentford.
The Blues' attention now turns to the FA Cup. Guardiola's men host Salford City on Saturday.
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