The 18-year-old Academy graduate has today been rewarded for his growing stature in City’s squad with a first senior England call-up.
Having made his senior debut for City early in the 2022/23 season, Lewis played 27 times as part of the historic Treble-winning squad.
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This campaign he has made 10 appearances already and is now part of Gareth Southgate’s camp for the upcoming EURO 2024 qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia.
Hoddle, who was in charge of England between 1996 and 1999 before stints at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves, is impressed with what he has seen so far.
Speaking on our Matchday Live programme before our thrilling draw with Chelsea on Sunday, the 66-year-old said it’s Lewis’ ability to shine every game and in a number of different positions that is most striking.
“This young boy, Pep obviously trusts him. That’s the biggest thing,” said Hoddle.
“When you’re a manager you look at talent when you go and watch the academy but ability is not enough, have they got the mentality and the trust that you can go out there and reproduce what the manager is asking them to do.
“This kid can do it. To be 18 and be put in that midfield area straight away in his early games.
“Pep must have seen something in him that he would trust he could do it and he’s now going to get better and better.
“When he plays as a full-back and goes out wide it must be a doddle for him!
“It’s not only about playing in different positions, it’s the quality he gives you in those positions. He’s a nine out of 10 every game.
“You’re normally waiting for a 28-year-old for that but he’s got such consistency, it’s incredible.”
Matchday Live
Matchday Live is our City-centric live show covering every men’s match in full detail!
We start around an hour before kick-off with special guests including players past and present reviewing the side and our opponents before catching up on the rest of what has been going on at the Club.
During the game, there’s live radio and text commentary before we head back to the studio to analyse the action.
It’s free to watch, just head to our Matchday Centre on mancity.com and our official app around an hour before any men’s game to join in!
