Manchester City's Rico Lewis names two defenders he idolised growing up

Manchester City's latest teenage star, Rico Lewis, has opened up about the influential people who have had the greatest impact on his journey to becoming a professional footballer.

Lewis joined City's academy at just eight-years-old and has progressed through the ranks, quickly becoming a recognised player for the club's Under-18s.

Although still only 17, the Bury-born right-back made his competitive senior debut against Bournemouth in August, where he came on as a substitute.

Since then, he has gone on to make a further three senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side. 

Having achieved so much at such a young age, Rico Lewis has praised his father for sparking his interest in football, and encouraging him to pursue a career in the game.  

“My dad owns a gym where I live and I was just kicking the ball around there,” he explained to Manchester City's official website.

“He would kick it back to me, nothing serious, just messing about really, and that was what brought me into football.” 

Lewis also said that his father introduced him to inspirational figures of the past, including possibly the most famous boxer of all time in Muhammad Ali. 

Now part of the Manchester City first-team squad, Rico Lewis plays for arguably one of the world’s greatest managers and acts as an understudy to fellow England right-back Kyle Walker - a four-time Premier League winner. 

When asked about the players he idolised during his childhood, he said, “As I grew up becoming more of a full-back, I’d definitely say Kyle Walker.

"I’d also say Dani Alves when he was playing at Barcelona, I loved watching him as well.” 

Kyle Walker is currently unavailable for selection after suffering an injury in the Manchester derby earlier this month, but Rico Lewis says that the England international has had a major impact on him since he has been training with the first-team squad.

The teenage defender states that he does not need to seek out his teammate in Manchester City training, saying that the 32-year-old is always keen to share his knowledge. 

Kyle Walker, Manchester City.

He added, “I think it’s just the little tips.

“I don’t really have to go and ask him for much but he just gives me little tips when he sees that he could improve me in some way.” 

Walker, who went off injured in the 6-3 derby victory, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in Qatar.

Rico Lewis will be hoping for more game time in the first team as the season continues, and believes there is more to come from his Manchester City teammates. 

The Premier League champions host Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, and will be hoping to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to Liverpool last Sunday.