One season can change everything for a young footballer

Twelve months ago, Nico O'Reilly was a promising academy product hoping to make a giant leap. Now, as the 2026-27 campaign begins, he has become a pivotal figure for Manchester City and an England international preparing for a World Cup. The transformation has been that rapid.

His brace downed Arsenal in last season's Carabao Cup final, a moment that underlined his growing importance to Pep Guardiola's side. By the end of that campaign, he had established himself as a key player, and his call-up to England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad confirmed his rise.

Now, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the question is not whether O'Reilly plays, but where. The answer, according to the man himself, is simple: anywhere.

'I'm ready to play anywhere... I'm able to adapt – whether that's full-back or in midfield, I'm excited for the challenges and I'm ready to play.'

That versatility is no accident. Guardiola transformed O'Reilly from a midfielder into a powerful attacking left-back, where his willingness to get forward and occupy dangerous positions became a major weapon. Yet he also started in midfield when required, and his supremely technical ability means he can slot into either role without missing a beat.

It is that flexibility that makes him so valuable to Maresca, who will have times and scenarios where he needs O'Reilly in one role or the other. The player has told his new boss that whatever role is needed, he will be there.

A double pivot on the cards

That willingness could be tested immediately. City head into their opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth short on midfield options, and the expectation is that Elliot Anderson will start in the middle. Mateo Kovacic started alongside him against Arsenal last weekend, but that experiment did not work well at all.

The solution looks likely to be O'Reilly slotting into a double pivot alongside Anderson, giving City a more athletic midfield capable of carrying out Maresca's instructions. On paper, it is arguably the strongest pairing the manager can field with the options at his disposal.

Whatever role he is handed, there is little doubt O'Reilly will thrive. His willingness to step in wherever required speaks to the player he has become – one who will do whatever it takes for Manchester City this season.