Nico O’Reilly Breaks Silence on Challenging Left-Back Role Under Pep Guardiola
Manchester City breakout star Nico O’Reilly has shed new light on the “complicated” left-back role he has been mastering under Pep Guardiola, as the 20-year-old continues his rapid rise from academy talent to full first-team regular.
Originally a central midfielder, O’Reilly has become a key part of Guardiola’s fluid defensive system, impressing supporters, coaches, and England national team staff with his maturity, intelligence, and adaptability. His emergence this season has been shaped by tactical needs, injuries, and Guardiola’s preference for physically strong, tactically flexible full-backs.
Since making his senior debut at the 2024 Community Shield, O’Reilly has evolved into one of City’s most intriguing developments—earning a place in England’s squad and making his first appearances under Thomas Tuchel.
“It’s Not a Traditional Left-Back” – O’Reilly Explains the Role
Speaking to Manchester City’s official website, O’Reilly explained the complexity of the position he is tasked with occupying.
“I think I’m improving massively. Game by game,” he said. “It’s not just a traditional left-back, it’s more complicated. I’m going inside, going to the wing, getting into the box, defending as a back four and keeping a high line.”
He added, “There’s so much going into it and very tactical. It’s quite a demanding position, there’s a lot of running up and down the flank. I’m enjoying it and I feel like I’m improving every game.”
The England international admitted the challenge has pushed him further than ever before: “I feel I understand the tactics and have always been quite clever on the pitch but it’s definitely a challenge because it’s a much higher level than previously.”
A Breakout Year for Club and Country
Reflecting on a whirlwind 2025, O’Reilly said: “I’m really enjoying it. It’s mad because I never thought I’d be in this position so soon. I’m trying to stay level-headed and stay off social media. I want to stay calm. There’s a lot of outside noise but at the end of the day none of that matters, it’s what happens on the pitch that matters the most.”
Guardiola is expected to continue using O’Reilly as a multidimensional full-back, offering strong competition for summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri. Given how central the inverted full-back role is to City’s play, O’Reilly’s development could make him one of the most tactically valuable players in the Premier League.
If his growth continues at this pace, the youngster may soon become a serious contender for England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
FAQs
• What position does Nico O’Reilly naturally play?
He is naturally a central midfielder but is now excelling as an inverted left-back.
• Why is his left-back role considered “complicated”?
Under Guardiola, the role requires drifting inside, overlapping, defending high, and joining midfield—a multi-phase tactical job.
• How old is Nico O’Reilly?
He is 20 years old.
• Has he played for England?
Yes, he has already made his first senior England appearances under Thomas Tuchel.
• Will he continue at left-back?
Yes. Guardiola plans to keep him in that role due to his intelligence and versatility.
Conclusion
Nico O’Reilly’s rapid rise highlights both his intelligence and Guardiola’s trust in adaptable young players. Despite being a natural midfielder, he has embraced one of football’s most tactically complex roles and is thriving. As he continues developing as an inverted full-back, O’Reilly stands on the verge of becoming one of the Premier League’s most unique talents—and potentially a key figure for England heading into the 2026 World Cup.
