Manchester City had hoped that a midfielder named Nico could spark a turnaround in the latter half of last season. Surprisingly, the catalyst for Pep Guardiola’s side’s mid-season resurgence—and their continued quest for a quadruple—was not the £50 million signing Nico Gonzalez from Porto, but rather academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, who came through the club for free.
The 20-year-old north Manchester native and lifelong City fan became crucial to the team’s revival for three main reasons.
Firstly, O’Reilly is homegrown, and such players rarely receive consistent first-team chances outside established stars like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis. Secondly, he endured a serious ankle injury during a key stage of his development, requiring surgery and keeping him out for most of the 2023-24 season. Thirdly, he initially filled in as a makeshift left-back despite having spent his youth career as an attacking midfielder—but you wouldn’t know it from his performances. After mastering that defensive role, he has now begun to shine in a position more natural to his style.
Secret weapon
O’Reilly was already turning heads in City’s academy, scoring spectacular goals such as a scorpion kick against Middlesbrough and a 40-yard lob versus Manchester United. That goal-scoring ability became his secret weapon when he integrated into Guardiola’s first team as a left-back last season, netting five goals and providing two assists. He played a vital role in City reaching the FA Cup final and recovering from a rough Premier League stretch to finish in the top four.
O’Reilly’s importance was highlighted again when he scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday. His contributions have been central to City’s charge for the Premier League title and their pursuit of the Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. The team has won its last five games across all competitions, with O’Reilly starting each match and scoring three times.
Un-droppable
O’Reilly’s impact isn’t a recent development. Only Erling Haaland has logged more minutes than him across Premier League and Champions League games this season.
“He is becoming un-droppable,” said former City defender Joleon Lescott on TNT Sports. “He combines athleticism with the ability to recover quickly in transitions. Given the opportunity to play in his preferred position, he’s influencing games like a seasoned pro.”
Thriving in ‘his position’
Since returning to his natural midfield role, O’Reilly has excelled. He started the Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle as an anchor but later shifted to a No.8 role in Guardiola’s 4-1-3-2 formation against Tottenham, where he thrived.
“What a player,” Guardiola said. “He played full-back, holding midfield, now his natural position. Nico offers the physicality and completeness we need.” O’Reilly has scored crucial goals, including a brace against Newcastle, often taking on a No.10 role behind Omar Marmoush and Haaland.
Football intelligence
His first goal against Newcastle involved chested control and a first-time strike, while his second mirrored Haaland’s style, timing a perfect run to meet a cross and head home. He nearly completed a first-half hat-trick as well.
“His versatility, energy, and football intelligence at just 20 years old is remarkable,” said Micah Richards on Match of the Day. “Academy players rarely get such opportunities, and he’s thriving both in midfield and left-back. Perfect performance.”
Wayne Rooney added, “Pep sees him every day in training and knows he can play all over the pitch.”
Gift for Tuchel
O’Reilly’s adaptability benefits England as well. With left-back options limited due to injuries, he’s in prime position to feature at the 2026 World Cup. England’s midfield is crowded with talent, but his current form might even see him deployed as a No.10, intensifying competition with Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Phil Foden.
Locking down his place
O’Reilly’s rise is remarkable considering he was barely known outside City’s academy less than two years ago. “When you’re at the best club in the world, it’s hard for young players to break through,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “If you push hard and work hard, you get your chance.”
Now, O’Reilly has cemented his spot in Guardiola’s squad, proving that homegrown talent can thrive even in a star-studded lineup.
