2024/25 was the England international’s breakout season.
But in 2025/26, O’Reilly has been one of City’s standout players.
Just a day after turning 21, the boyhood Blue bagged a brace in City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, heading home two goals that would prove to be the decisive factors in the capital.
And whilst City have known about his talent and versatility for over a decade, even Guardiola admitted in his post-match press conference that the heights O’Reilly has hit has caught him off guard.
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“He [O’Reilly] started to play when Rodri was injured and impressed a lot,” began Guardiola.
“Against Newcastle he played holding midfielder alongside Nico, he can play in the pocket, it’s his natural position and every cross he is there.
“In the aerial action offensively he is really strong. Defensively he has to improve.
“So far, he has been a surprise even for me. His season so far has been extraordinary.”
Watch Pep Guardiola’s post-match press conference in full via the video above...
