The Rising Star: Nico O’Reilly’s Journey to the England Left-Back Spot
In the midst of all the excitement surrounding England’s attacking lineup, one player’s international debut might have gone unnoticed. But here’s where it gets interesting…
Meet Nico O’Reilly, the 20-year-old Manchester City left-back who’s making waves. Despite only making his Premier League start in April, O’Reilly has already earned his first senior call-up and made his debut for England, thanks to Thomas Tuchel. He’s the sixth player to receive this honor from Tuchel, but O’Reilly’s performance against Serbia at Wembley showed he belongs.
O’Reilly’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After an impressive display against Liverpool in the Premier League, he caught the eye of many. His partnership with Jeremy Doku down the left flank was a sight to behold, and it’s no wonder he’s now aiming for a spot in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
“It’s a dream come true,” O’Reilly said. “My family and I are overjoyed. To play at Wembley in front of them is an incredible feeling.”
But here’s the twist: left-back wasn’t always his natural position. O’Reilly, a lifelong Manchester City fan, started as a box-to-box midfielder, inspired by the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva. It was only last season, due to injuries, that manager Pep Guardiola deployed him as a full-back. And the rest, as they say, is history.
“Without O’Reilly’s contributions, the upturn in results would’ve been difficult to imagine,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.
During his debut against Serbia, O’Reilly showed composure and skill. With 64 touches, 45 completed passes, and three won duels, he proved his worth. Former England players Phil Jones and Paul Robinson praised his performance, with Robinson stating, “That’s one of the spots he can definitely make his own.”
And this is the part most people miss: O’Reilly’s journey is a testament to hard work and adaptability. He’s a player who’s always been destined for the top, according to insiders. From captaining Manchester City’s Under-18s to the Premier League title to impressing in the elite development squad, O’Reilly’s progression has been steady.
So, will O’Reilly secure the England left-back spot for the World Cup? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: his talent and determination make him a force to be reckoned with.
What do you think? Is O’Reilly the future of England’s defense? Let’s discuss in the comments!