Pep Guardiola has given the forward the nod in his starting XI as we prepare to lock horns with Brendan Rodgers’ side at Chapel Hill’s Kenan Memorial Stadium this evening.
The 19-year-old’s impressive rise through the ranks has been rewarded as he looks to make a mark against the Scottish champions in the first of our four pre-season friendlies.
O’Reilly has been a key performer for both our Under-18s and Elite Development Squad since first making the step up in 2021/22.
The following season, he captained our U18s to a third successive national title, also winning the Players’ Player of the Year award for his exploits.
Boasting excellent technical ability and a unique composure and confidence on the ball, O’Reilly shone in 2022/23, regularly finding the net in spectacular fashion in the process.
Indeed, two particular goals stand out from the youngster during that campaign, both scored in the space of one week.
First, O’Reilly grabbed a dramatic late winner with a scorpion kick against Middlesbrough, earning a crucial three points en route to the title.
He followed that up with a brace in the Manchester derby, the second being an audacious 40-yard lob over the United goalkeeper at the City Football Academy.
It was a moment of individual brilliance to sum up a standout season for the youngster, who hit double figures for goals and assists across the campaign.
After shaking off an early season injury last year, O’Reilly’s stock has continued to rise, with him earning the Academy Goal of the Season award with yet another long-range effort, this time from the halfway line against Nottingham Forest.
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While this will be his first senior outing for City, he has been involved with the first team in the past, joining Pep Guardiola’s men on a warm weather training came in Abu Dhabi in December 2022, before a spot on the bench in our Premier League win at Brighton in April 2024.
But now O’Reilly has the chance to really show the manager what he can do as the new campaign begins.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Nico on his senior debut.
