THE SON OF A THAI BOXING CHAMPION, CITY’S NEW STAR PACKS A PUNCH!
RICO LEWIS was straight back to the grind yesterday, with his head in his books as part of Manchester city’s education programme for their scholars.
The 17-year-old could be forgiven for gazing out of the classroom window because life had changed just a few hours earlier, with a first professional start and a first senior goal, followed by a prolonged standing ovation and effusive praise from Pep Guardiola. There have been worse nights.
To those around city’s academy, this trajectory is no real surprise. Lewis captained teams throughout his journey, beginning when choosing city over Bolton wanderers at Under 9 level. so perhaps it should be expected that he looks every bit a city full back. He has been taught the nuances of what Guardiola expects ever since the catalan took over in 2016, absorbing them all maturely. Lewis now moves like a clone of Joao cancelo or Kyle walker, shifting into central midfield when required and recycling possession. it is little wonder that Bayern Munich have been watching intently, or that other Bundesliga clubs are already interested in a January loan deal. city will begin discussing a new contract over the coming months and Guardiola, who had not seen Lewis play before the summer tour of America, is already talking about how impressive he is.
‘He is proving every day that he can be with us,’ said the city manager. ‘sometimes you think you have to buy but we have someone to be a back-up for Kyle and Joao who we can rely on. it’s a dream come true.’ Lewis’s character was partially built in the Phoenix Muay Thai gym in whitefield, owned by his father Rick, a two-time British Thai boxing champion.
The defender spent plenty of time there and those close to him believe that his agility and low centre of gravity can be traced back to the boxing background. The same can be said of his sister, sacha, who has just signed with city’s academy.
Lewis is also deceptively strong, having hit the pads with his father to work on extra robustness from a young age. it has been noted around city’s first team that Lewis can more than hold his own, despite his size. He has no qualms about going through anybody in a tackle. Phil Foden has offered significant guidance and support, with the pair sitting alongside each other in the dressing room and on the team coach.
Foden knows the importance of a senior player’s help during the first few months with the superstars. it would be premature to suggest that another one has arrived, but Lewis has certainly made a strong start.