Lewis looking to cement a first-team place at Manchester City

Lewis, who has filled in for the injured Kyle Walker this season, started at right-back in City’s 3-1 victory at Elland Road.

Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola greets Rico Lewis after he was being substituted during the English Premier League soccer match between Leeds United and Manchester City | Photo Credit: Jon Super

Defender Rico Lewis said he does not feel like a first-team player even though Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola handed the 18-year-old his first Premier League start against Leeds United on Wednesday.

Lewis, who has filled in for the injured Kyle Walker this season, started at right-back in City’s 3-1 victory at Elland Road.

“It’s still like I’m just playing with them,” Lewis was quoted as saying on the BBC website.

“I don’t feel like a first-team player. I’m doing my best to keep up with them and put in the best performance to help them win.

“I don’t know when I will feel like a first-team player, it will just slowly become natural, I don’t think there will be a turning point.”

He named team mate Walker as one of his right-back idols.

Walker has been on the bench since returning from the World Cup but has provided Lewis with some much needed feedback.

“The whole time he’s been at City I’ve watched him and the way he plays,” Lewis said. “He’s an asset to the team and you can see City aren’t the same when he doesn’t play.

“I want to become a regular first-team player like he is and an asset to the team.”