In Focus: Why Lewis is shining despite Citizens' struggles

Rico Lewis' performance was a rare positive for Manchester City on a disappointing afternoon against Crystal Palace.

The youngster scored their second and impressed despite his side's inability to hold onto a two-goal lead at the Etihad Stadium.

And with a busy schedule for the European champions, he could take on an important role over the coming weeks.

Ahead of this evening's Club World Cup semi-final clash with Urawa Red Diamonds, we assess Lewis' 2023-24 campaign to date.

Over to Lew

Lewis netted his first goal of the season with an instinctive finish against Palace.

Though not a natural goalscorer, the teenager's anticipation in the box suggested he could contribute in attack when needed.

But Lewis is primarily in the team for his ability in possession and positional versatility.

He has averaged 37.89 completed passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season with a success rate of 88.89%.

Pep Guardiola has often used him as an inverted full-back, taking advantage of his mix of technical quality and athleticism to gain an advantage in the centre of the park.

On Saturday, Lewis played alongside Rodri in midfield and was given more licence to get forward.

The result was a goal and another eye-catching performance, albeit on a frustrating day for the Citizens.

Lewis, 19, said: "It was a good feeling in the moment.

"But as soon as what happened in the next action of the game it's forgotten about, now I can't enjoy it as much as I would have liked to.

"It's a positive in a negative situation, but at the end of the day we wanted the result and we haven't got it today."

Pep talk

Starting every game for City is still likely to be some way off for Lewis, who is competing with world-class talent for a place in the team.

But Guardiola clearly expects his No82 to eventually become a key cog in his machine.

He said in October: "What a player.

"I've been a manager for 14, 15 years and lucky to train one of the best players in the world in Barcelona.

"To find a player like him [Lewis] playing in the pockets, how he has to move as a holding midfielder, moving in the spaces, he is one of the best I've ever trained by far.

"He's a humble guy, doesn't talk much. He didn't play much this season but he is going to play a lot."

England hopes

Lewis has featured in eight Premier League games for City this season, as well as starting five Champions League matches.

And it is in Europe where he has really impressed, registering three assists and looking comfortable against difficult opposition.

That form earned him a call-up to the England squad for the first time last month, with his debut coming in a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.

For a player who only made his first appearance for the England Under-21s earlier this year, Lewis' progress has been rapid.

He is on course to surpass last season's total game time for City and is quietly making a case to start more regularly, even in important fixtures.

As Guardiola's side look to win more silverware in the Club World Cup, Lewis will be hoping for another opportunity to continue his promising development.