Pep Guardiola has thrown his full support behind Nico O’Reilly, insisting the young midfielder deserves to be named the best young player of the season, Softfootball reports.
Guardiola’s comments came after City secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal FC, a result that significantly dented Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes. The tightly contested clash once again highlighted City’s clinical edge in decisive moments.
Speaking in comments confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his x handle, the Manchester City boss praised O’Reilly’s remarkable campaign, stating that while the overall best player is debatable, the top young talent is “clearly” his player.
Romano posted:
Pep Guardiola: Nico O’Reilly deserves to win PL Best Young Player of the Season! What a season he had! I don’t know who is the best player of the season, but the YOUNG one?! It has to be Nico.
O’Reilly has been one of the breakout stars of the season and previously delivered a match-winning performance in the Carabao Cup final, where he scored two headers in quick succession to secure a 2-0 victory over Arsenal and hand City their ninth League Cup title.
His consistency and ability to step up in big games have made him a key figure in Guardiola’s squad.
As the season nears its conclusion, O’Reilly’s rise continues to draw widespread praise, firmly placing him among the brightest young talents in English football.
