Lewis’s breakthrough came after impressing Guardiola in City’s pre-season tour of the United States before the treble-winning campaign. Praising his adaptability and intelligence, Guardiola credited him with demonstrating the difficult-to-master hybrid full-back midfield role to the rest of the squad.
Long-term Lewis has set his heart on a position sitting alongside Rodri at the heart of City’s midfield, an ambition that would mean pushing big-money signings Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips out of the picture. “That is my favourite position I think, even more than coming inside from full-back,” he said.
“Playing higher up then defending as a two with Rodri is my favourite. But for me I think it’s just all about patience,” said Lewis. “There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do my best and learn. The opportunities will come and when they do I’ve got to take them but I just have to stay patient.”