Enzo Maresca Assesses Manchester City Futures of Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri Amid Gametime Struggles
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca addressed the current squad status of full-backs Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rico Lewis as his side prepare for a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Rico Lewis has played a bit-part role for Manchester City in recent weeks.
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City’s squad depth is once again being severely tested across all fronts following a very busy start to the campaign under Maresca.
While established names shoulder the heavy physical burden of Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches each week, the tactical versatility and availability of the club's squad players remain crucial to sustaining momentum through a congested winter calendar.
Managing player workloads effectively is now a top priority for Manchester City as matches arrive thick and fast - and two players looking to take advantage are a pair of full-backs who have found starts hard to come by so far this season.
Ait-Nouri facing intense competition at left-back
Now in his second season in Manchester, Rayan Ait-Nouri is yet to find his rhythm - and a series of injuries picked up last campaign are only partly to blame.
Addressing the 25-year-old defender's current lack of minutes, Maresca pointed out the fierce rivalry for the starting left-back slot.
"He's a clear full-back," Maresca explained in a press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Brighton.
With Josko Gvardiol and academy graduate Nico O'Reilly currently holding down the fort on the left side, Ait-Nouri faces an uphill battle to dislodge his teammates from the starting eleven.
Maresca added: "In that position, we have Josko, who is doing fantastic, we have Nico, who when he is fit is doing fantastic; and he's the same position so it's just competition between them."
Ait-Nouri has had a difficult few months, sparking controversy with an early exit from the Algeria camp after also spending time on the bench at international level.
However, his natural pedigree as an out-and-out full-back means he remains an important tactical asset as Manchester City rotate their squad; despite limited opportunities it should not be forgotten that he has registered three assists for his club already this season.
Lewis balancing full-back duties and midfield versatility
On the opposite flank, academy graduate Rico Lewis continues to showcase his tactical flexibility and has operated in midfield as well as defence this season. He was introduced at half-time against Aston Villa in the club’s first Premier League defeat of the season but was unable to help City produce a positive result.
Asked about the youngster's long-term positional future and recent outings, Maresca highlighted the appeal of Lewis’ ability to fill more than one slot.
The City manager said: "He can play in both. In this moment, we also have Matheus Nunes injured so I think he was good in the second-half against Aston Villa. But again, it depends on where we need him."
Lewis has been linked with a move away from the club recently, but - crucially - only if his minutes fail to increase at the club where he came through the ranks as a youngster.
With a cup tie looming, both Ait-Nouri and Lewis will be eager to seize their chance to shine on the pitch. If called upon by Maresca from the off, both full-backs have everything to gain as they look to impress the coaching staff and force their way into regular starting contention for Manchester City.