Nico O’Reilly never expected to get any game time when he was included in Manchester City’s squad for their four-match pre-season tour of the USA in July.
However, just three weeks later, he found himself on the scoresheet against Barcelona in Orlando and walked away with a Community Shield winner’s medal after holding his own against five-time Champions League winner Casemiro in a clash with Manchester United at Wembley.
On transfer deadline day, a potential move to Chelsea was blocked, as City were wary of another “Cole Palmer” scenario—where one of their academy graduates could shine for a Premier League rival.
O’Reilly’s playing style has been redefined under Pep Guardiola. While many who have followed City’s youth teams saw him as an attacking midfielder or even a false nine, Guardiola has a different vision. During the pre-season tour, he surprised many by identifying the 19-year-old as a potential deputy for Rodri in the holding midfield role—one of the most crucial positions in City’s system.
Although O’Reilly has traditionally played further forward, his versatility makes him an attractive option for Guardiola, who values midfielders capable of adapting to multiple roles. After recovering from an ankle injury last season, the England Under-20 star returned to training, and Guardiola was taken aback by his physical development. City now hopes he can use that added strength to grow into the defensive midfield role, leveraging his exceptional game-reading ability.
Despite being earmarked as a potential defensive presence, O’Reilly has showcased his attacking prowess on several occasions. His well-taken goal against Barcelona in Orlando was a reminder of his reputation at the City Football Academy, where he was known for scoring spectacular goals. That talent was on display again when he netted his first senior goal in an 8-0 FA Cup thrashing of Salford.
Having been with City since the under-nines, O’Reilly has progressed alongside players like Rico Lewis. He was named on the first-team bench against Brighton in early 2023, but a serious ankle injury stalled his momentum. Despite the setback, he has continued to impress, with youth coaches still recalling standout moments like his scorpion kick goal against Middlesbrough and a 40-yard lob against Manchester United in a junior derby.
Ben Wilkinson, City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) manager, has closely followed O’Reilly’s journey. He described him as a highly technical midfielder with a much broader skill set than he often gets credit for. Guardiola himself has praised O’Reilly’s potential, noting his impressive stature at 6ft 2in and his ability to make an impact in midfield.
Looking ahead, O’Reilly remains firmly in Guardiola’s first-team plans despite fierce competition for midfield spots. He has already featured in the Carabao Cup against Watford and Tottenham, made his Champions League debut against Sparta Prague, and found the net in the FA Cup against Salford. Although his move to Chelsea was blocked, he will be determined to prove himself further in the months to come.
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