The emergence and growth of a young Manchester City midfielder caught the eye against Liverpool

The rise of Nico O’Reilly has been one of the success stories for Manchester City this season. O’Reilly has gone from being a talented young midfielder, to an England international playing at left-back and has become an important player for Pep Guardiola’s side. Recently, Nico O’Reilly has shifted into midfield. He has been a vital contributor in midfield in several of Manchester City’s recent matches. Against Liverpool last night, in Manchester City’s huge 2-1 win at Anfield yesterday, Nico O’Reilly was immense for the full 90 minutes. The England international played a key role in his team’s win as his maturity as a player stood out at Anfield.

Nico O’Reilly, alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva played an important role in midfield in a big win for Manchester City.

When the starting lineups were announced yesterday, Nico O’Reilly lined up in the Manchester City midfield alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva. The midfield battle loomed as a key element of yesterday’s match. In the first half of yesterday’s match, City dominated the midfield and subsequently the first half. Nico O’Reilly, along with Bernardo Silva and Rodri, played a key role in City’s first half display. All three players were up for the fight, and they helped Pep Guardiola’s side control proceedings for the opening 45 minutes. In the case of Nico O’Reilly, his neat interplay in possession and strength in a duel were impressive. The young midfielder was one of the better players on the pitch in the first half yesterday.

In the second half, Liverpool raised their game. Up until Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb free kick, Manchester City had to hang in and fight to stay in the game. Nico O’Reilly embraced this side of the game as well. He was in the right positions as a midfielder, and O’Reilly wasn’t afraid to get stuck in and make a challenge or foul when he needed to. O’Reilly’s second half display was as impressive as his first half display. The fact he stood up when Manchester City’s backs were against the wall speaks volumes about Nico O’Reilly’s character and growth as a player.

The return of Rayan Ait-Nouri has allowed Nico O’Reilly to move into midfield.

To play Nico O’Reilly in midfield, Manchester City needed Rayan Ait-Nouri to return from AFCON in form and ready to contribute at left-back. The Algerian international has done exactly that. Ait-Nouri has been superb recently and played one of his best games for Manchester City against Liverpool yesterday. Just as important as Ait-Nouri’s performances has been, his strong form has allowed Nico O’Reilly to move into midfield. The gain that Manchester City has by Nico O’Reilly playing in midfield was clear to see at Anfield.

Nico O’Reilly was superb for Manchester City in their 2-1 win over Liverpool yesterday. While Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, and Gianluigi Donnarumma will get the headlines for their heroics at Anfield, Nico O’Reilly’s contribution cannot be overlooked. He played a key role in his team’s win, and Pep Guardiola now has another quality option to use in midfield.