Manchester City loanee Vitor Reis delivered a statement performance on Monday night as Girona beat Barcelona 2-1 in La Liga. The 19-year-old centre-back played a decisive role in the upset. As a result, Spanish and Brazilian media have started pushing the idea that Pep Guardiola should take note ahead of next season.
The victory came in the 24th round of La Liga. However, much of the post-match focus centred on Vitor Reis. The defender finished the match with 14 defensive contributions and did not suffer a single successful dribble against him. In addition, he continues to lead all Brazilian players in LaLiga for minutes played this season.
Spanish praise after heroic win
Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo did not hold back in its assessment. “Imperial! A machine at winning duels inside the box!” the newspaper wrote after the final whistle. Their post-match article headline called him “the boss of the new Girona”.
Spanish journalist Víctor Llebaría Escutia went even further in his analysis. “I see Vitor Reis as one of the most promising centre-backs of this season. He is a leader and has great qualities. He should be an option for all the big clubs,” he said.
Such praise comes after a strong month for the Manchester City defender. In January, LaLiga named him the best Under-23 player in the competition. That recognition followed a run of consistent performances and growing authority at the back.
Girona brought him in on loan to guarantee minutes and continuity. So far, that strategy has worked. The Brazilian has secured a starting role and rarely leaves the pitch. Therefore, the development plan agreed with Manchester City appears to be delivering clear results.
Brazilian calls for Guardiola to act
Brazilian media have now started linking his rise directly to Manchester City’s plans. Trivela argued that his display against Barcelona, combined with his campaign overall, “proves that he can already be considered a piece for Manchester City.”
Meanwhile, journalist Fernando Campos offered a more forceful opinion. “Vitor Reis is a monster of the new generation of centre-backs. Absolute standout at Girona. Guardiola needs to use him next season,” he stated.
Those comments increase the spotlight around the teenager. Manchester City signed him for £34m (€40m) with a long-term plan in mind. At the time, the club prioritised development over immediate impact.
Now, however, the narrative is shifting. With Girona competing strongly and Vitor Reis standing out against Barcelona, external pressure is building.
What happens next will depend on Guardiola’s squad planning this summer, but the noise around the Brazilian is only getting louder.