The Spanish midfielder, who joined City from Porto in January, again caught the eye in last Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton operating in the key holding midfield role in the injured Rodri’s absence.
It was just the latest impressive and measured display by the 23-year-old has looked assured every time he has figured this term.
And addressing the media at Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of our latest Champions League clash away to Villarreal, City boss Guardiola was quick to praise Nico’s impact.
“I have the feeling Nico is getting better and better,” Pep said.
Villarreal v City | Match preview
“It is not easy sometimes when you arrive at a new club and play in a different style to the past. I like his behaviour, and I feel he will get better month after month and year after year.
“He is so coachable, so open minded, he’s a lovely, lovely guy and his mum and dad should be proud of him as a human being.
“And I have a feeling that every game he is getting better.
“Hopefully Rodri will be back to train more often with him but yes he is young and to see a player with the stature like Rodri, always you will improve.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full…
Villarreal v City App coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from our Champions League clash against Villarreal in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at around 18:45 (UK).
Scott Carson and Nedum Onuoha will be the guests on the latest Matchday Live show alongside presenter Natalie Pike, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Steve Howey while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
We’ll have a quick-hit 2-minute highlights package available at midnight (UK) on Tuesday and following the next day globally, while you can sign-in to watch a free 8-minute edit globally the next day too.
On CITY+ meanwhile, there’ll be our popular full-match replay as well as our new extended highlights offering which features the best 20 minutes of action from the game. Both are also available at Midnight (UK) on Thursday and 23:00 (Global) on Friday.
