Pep Guardiola makes drops big verdict on Man City gem Nico O’Reilly that bodes seriously well for him

Manchester City will be in the FA Cup quarter-finals after beating Plymouth Argyle. The score was 3-1 in the fifth round match. Manchester City won comfortably against their Championship opponents. The match was played at the Etihad Stadium. Plymouth actually took the lead in the game first. Maksym Talovierov scored for Plymouth with a header from a corner. City responded through Nico O’Reilly. O’Reilly played at left-back for City. He has played in this position several times since joining the first-team squad. O’Reilly scored with a header just before half-time.

OkThis made the score 1-1 at the break. O’Reilly then scored his second header in the 76th minute. This put City ahead 2-1. Kevin De Bruyne scored City’s third goal late in the game. This completed the 3-1 victory. It was a great night for Nico O’Reilly. Pep Guardiola praised O’Reilly after the game. The article mentions another story about City fans being worried about something Guardiola said about Ilkay Gundogan. Pep Guardiola says Nico O’Reilly is completely different to other Manchester City academy products. This comment came after O’Reilly scored twice against Plymouth. O’Reilly took his opportunity well on Saturday. He is actually a midfielder by trade. He was playing at left-back like several others have done before him. He performed well in this position against Plymouth. It was important for Josko Gvardiol to get some rest. Gvardiol has been used heavily this season.

O’Reilly showed he could be a rotation option at left-back. Based on Guardiola’s comments we might see more of O’Reilly this season. Manchester City tweeted about O’Reilly’s performance. The tweet included “Yes Nico” with emojis. Guardiola spoke about O’Reilly on BBC Radio Manchester. He said O’Reilly is completely different from other Manchester City academy players. Guardiola said most academy players are small and talented. He said O’Reilly has a big presence. Guardiola noted O’Reilly was playing in a position he never played before. Guardiola said O’Reilly is clever with the ball. He praised O’Reilly’s presence in the final third and in the pockets. Guardiola mentioned O’Reilly’s physicality. He highlighted O’Reilly’s two headed goals from set-pieces. Guardiola admitted City are not normally good at scoring from set-pieces. The article mentions another piece about who Nico O’Reilly is. This article apparently describes him as a phenomenal City starlet who caught Guardiola’s eye. The article includes O’Reilly’s stats against Plymouth.

O’Reilly has now made 10 appearances for City this season. This includes the Community Shield match. Despite limited minutes O’Reilly performed well against Plymouth. Besides scoring two goals O’Reilly used the ball effectively. He completed 65 out of 73 passes. This gives him a pass completion rate of 89 percent. The article includes photos credited to Michael Regan and Getty Images. There is also a photo credited to OLI SCARFF and AFP via Getty Images. The article was published on Sunday March 2 2025 at 9:05 am. It was written by Tom Procter. Manchester City overcame an early setback to win the match. Plymouth represented a lower league challenge for City.

The FA Cup allows teams from different divisions to play against each other. City responded well after conceding first. O’Reilly showed his versatility by playing out of position. Heading is not typically associated with smaller technical players. O’Reilly showed aerial ability with two headed goals. Guardiola often uses midfielders as full-backs in his system. This tactical flexibility is typical of Guardiola’s approach. O’Reilly has been promoted from the academy to the first team. Manchester City have a strong youth development system. Guardiola’s comments suggest O’Reilly has physical attributes that stand out. Many academy players at City are known for technical skills rather than physicality. Set-pieces have not been a strength for Manchester City. O’Reilly’s goals came from an area City don’t typically excel in. The FA Cup is an important competition in English football. City are looking to win multiple trophies this season. Guardiola rotated his squad for this cup match. This rotation gave an opportunity to O’Reilly. Josko Gvardiol needed rest due to his heavy involvement this season. Squad management is important during a busy schedule.

Guardiola’s praise suggests O’Reilly has a bright future at City. Young players need to take their chances when they come. O’Reilly seems to have impressed the coaching staff. Playing in different positions can help a young player’s development. The 89 percent pass completion shows O’Reilly’s technical ability. This statistic is important in Guardiola’s possession-based system. City will now advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The tweet from the official Manchester City account shows support for O’Reilly. Social media is used by clubs to celebrate player performances.

Pep Guardiola’s comments were made on BBC Radio Manchester. Media interviews after matches often provide insight into a manager’s thinking. O’Reilly has now reached double figures for appearances this season. This includes competitive matches and the Community Shield. The Community Shield is the traditional season opener in England. Pass completion is an important metric for Guardiola. His teams typically dominate possession. O’Reilly’s performance might earn him more playing time. Versatility is valued highly in modern football. Players who can perform in multiple positions are valuable to managers.

Guardiola described O’Reilly as clever with the ball. This intelligence is crucial in Guardiola’s complex system. O’Reilly’s presence in the final third was highlighted by Guardiola. This suggests he contributes to attacking play even from left-back. Manchester City have progressed in the FA Cup. They will be in the draw for the quarter-finals. O’Reilly’s brace helped secure the victory. His two goals turned the game in City’s favor. Plymouth initially caused problems for City by taking the lead. Lower league teams often try to score from set-pieces against Premier League opposition.

City showed their quality by responding with three goals. De Bruyne’s goal sealed the victory for City. The match took place at City’s home ground the Etihad Stadium. City were expected to win against lower division opposition. O’Reilly proved his worth in an unfamiliar position. Academy graduates getting first team opportunities is important for club development. Guardiola noted that O’Reilly has never played at left-back before. This makes his performance even more impressive. Manchester City are competing on multiple fronts this season. The FA Cup is one of several trophies they are pursuing. Rotation is necessary during congested fixture periods. This gives opportunities to players like O’Reilly.

Guardiola’s comments about O’Reilly being different could be significant for his future. Physical presence combined with technical ability is a rare combination. City’s academy typically produces technically skilled smaller players according to Guardiola. O’Reilly seems to break this mold with his physicality. Scoring two headers shows aerial ability not always associated with City players. Set-pieces can be crucial in cup competitions. O’Reilly’s positioning for his goals shows good awareness. The article title suggests Guardiola’s verdict bodes well for O’Reilly. Positive comments from the manager can boost a young player’s confidence. City recovered well after going behind in the match.

Plymouth’s goal came from a corner kick. City’s response showed their resilience. O’Reilly’s first goal came at an important time just before half-time. This would have changed the mood in the dressing room. His second goal put City ahead and changed the dynamic of the match. De Bruyne’s goal provided the security of a two-goal cushion. O’Reilly completed a high percentage of his passes. This shows he was comfortable in possession. Guardiola often praises players who use the ball intelligently.

O’Reilly seems to fit this profile based on the manager’s comments. City advances to the next round of the FA Cup. The quarter-finals bring them closer to another trophy. Guardiola’s willingness to use academy players gives hope to young talents. O’Reilly has taken his chance when given the opportunity. Playing at left-back requires different skills than midfield. O’Reilly adapted well to these different requirements. The ability to score from set-pieces adds another dimension to City’s play. They are known more for their open play goals. O’Reilly’s versatility makes him a useful squad option. Players who can operate in multiple positions help with squad depth. Guardiola acknowledged that City are not normally good at scoring from set-pieces. O’Reilly’s goals might encourage more focus on this area.

Manchester City tweeted positively about O’Reilly’s performance. This public recognition is good for a young player’s profile. The match took place on March 1 2025. Guardiola spoke to BBC Radio Manchester after the game. His comments reveal what he values in players. O’Reilly has now made 10 appearances despite limited minutes overall. This suggests he is gradually being integrated into the first team. Completing 65 out of 73 passes shows good decision-making. This accuracy is important in Guardiola’s system. Plymouth represented a challenge despite being a Championship team.

Cup competitions can produce surprising results. City’s professional performance ensured they avoided an upset. O’Reilly’s emergence gives Guardiola another option at left-back. This position has sometimes been problematic for City. Gvardiol getting rest is important for the long-term season goals. Player rotation helps prevent injuries and fatigue. O’Reilly’s physicality was specifically mentioned by Guardiola. This attribute can be important in English football. The ability to score from headers adds another threat to City’s attack. They typically score more goals from open play. Guardiola’s comments suggest O’Reilly has a different profile to typical academy graduates.

This uniqueness might help his prospects of regular first-team football. City’s win puts them into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They remain on course for multiple trophies this season. O’Reilly’s performance shows the quality coming through City’s academy. Youth development is an important aspect of the club’s strategy. Playing in unfamiliar positions shows adaptability. This quality is valued by Guardiola. The match ended with a comfortable two-goal margin for City. The final score of 3-1 reflected City’s dominance after going behind. Kevin De Bruyne’s goal confirmed the victory.

O’Reilly took his opportunity to impress the manager. These chances are important for young players. Guardiola’s positive comments suggest O’Reilly has a future at City. Playing at left-back allowed O’Reilly to show different aspects of his game. His technical ability was demonstrated by his high pass completion. His physical presence was shown through his headed goals. Plymouth initially shocked City by taking the lead. Maksym Talovierov scored from a corner for the visitors. City’s quality eventually showed as they took control of the game. O’Reilly’s equalizer came at a crucial time before the break. This prevented Plymouth from taking a lead into half-time.

O’Reilly’s second goal put City in control. De Bruyne’s goal removed any doubt about the result. Plymouth will return to focusing on their Championship campaign. City continue their pursuit of multiple trophies. O’Reilly has established himself as a first-team option. His versatility makes him valuable to Guardiola. Set-piece goals are not typical for City under Guardiola. O’Reilly’s headed goals represent something different for the team. Guardiola often develops players in new positions.

This has been seen with other players at City. O’Reilly seems to be the latest example of this approach. The match represented a potential banana skin for City. Cup competitions can produce upsets when Premier League teams face lower division opposition. City’s professional performance ensured they avoided this fate. O’Reilly’s contribution was significant with two goals. Young players who score goals tend to get noticed more. Guardiola’s comments about O’Reilly’s difference from other academy products is interesting.

It suggests he offers something unique to the squad. The ability to play multiple positions increases a player’s chances of game time. O’Reilly’s adaptation to left-back suggests good tactical intelligence. Guardiola values players who can understand and implement his ideas. O’Reilly’s pass completion of 89 percent suggests he fits this profile. The FA Cup represents another trophy opportunity for City. They typically compete on multiple fronts each season. Plymouth can be proud of their performance despite the defeat. Taking the lead at the Etihad is no small achievement. City’s response showed their quality and professionalism. Scoring three goals demonstrates their attacking capabilities. O’Reilly’s performance will boost his confidence. Young players benefit from positive experiences in the first team. Guardiola’s rotation policy gives opportunities to squad players.

This helps maintain freshness in the team during a long season. O’Reilly has made the most of his chance in the team. Appearances like this can accelerate a player’s development. City will now look forward to the quarter-final draw. The FA Cup represents a realistic trophy opportunity. O’Reilly’s goals came from set-pieces which Guardiola admitted is not a City strength. Improving in this area could give City another attacking dimension.

De Bruyne scoring suggests he is returning to form. His quality is crucial for City’s trophy aspirations. O’Reilly played in an unfamiliar position but performed well. This adaptability impresses managers. Plymouth started well but couldn’t maintain their advantage. The quality difference eventually showed over 90 minutes. City’s progression to the quarter-finals keeps their multiple trophy hopes alive. O’Reilly’s emergency represents good news for City’s academy. Producing first-team players is the goal of youth development. O’Reilly seems to be establishing himself in the squad. Guardiola’s praise suggests he has a long-term future at the club.