There was a lesson to be learned for Nico O’Reilly during Manchester City’s win over Wolves | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly has become an important part of Pep Guardiola’s lineup in recent weeks. The young midfielder has made the left-back position his own during City’s nine-game unbeaten run. He has added stability and control to Manchester City’s play and has also become a valuable attacking weapon for Manchester City. But O’Reilly is still a young player with plenty to learn. That fact did stand out last night during City’s 1-nil win over Wolves at the Etihad.

Nico O’Reilly was a valuable attacking weapon for Manchester City last night but that also played into Wolves’ hands at times.

Nico O’Reilly was by no means poor last night. While he was on the pitch he was a valuable attacking weapon for Manchester City. He almost opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s side moments before Kevin De Bruyne did. O’Reilly was only denied by a fine Jose Sá save after some neat play between himself and Jeremy Doku in the 34th minute last night.

In the second half last night the young Manchester City midfielder was once again a threat going forward. But the problem was when he lost possession it left Manchester City’s defence exposed. This occurred during the 56th minute last night. The young midfielder was dispossessed in midfield, and that loss of possession led to a Matheus Cunha strike, which hit the woodwork. Minutes later Nico O’Reilly was replaced by Manuel Akanji as Pep Guardiola aimed for more defensive solidity over the game’s final half-hour.

Nico O’Reilly is a young player who will learn as he goes.

Last night’s game will be a valuable lesson for Nico O’Reilly. As mentioned above he wasn’t poor by any stretch. I felt he was one of City’s most dangerous players going forward before he was substituted. But he will learn from last night. He’ll learn when to pick his moments as he matures as a player. That will come in time.

Having said that it shouldn’t be forgotten that O’Reilly is playing in an unfamiliar position. He isn’t a natural left-back. The young midfielder is also key to City’s attacking play in the role he is playing. But as he plays more he will learn when to pick his moments. He will also learn what situations require at certain points of games. That will come as he plays more regularly and matures as a player. O’Reilly once again played well last night but there was a lesson to be learned for the young midfielder against Wolves.