Rico Lewis has named Manchester City stars Phil Foden and Cole Palmer as inspirations for him as he enjoys an impressive breakthrough season with the Blues.
Lewis has impressed for City's EDS in the last couple of years and his performances for them caught the eye of Pep Guardiola. The 18-year-old has been in and around the first-team squad throughout the campaign and on his first start in the Champions League last month he scored in a 3-1 victory over Sevilla.
Currently out in Abu Dhabi during the World Cup break, Lewis was asked by City's official website about breaking into the squad and he would go on to name his inspirations. "I saw them [Foden and Palmer] come through when I was younger," he explained.
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"Phil did it first and that gave me hope that there was a chance. Then Cole did similar not too long later, it makes you feel like there’s an increased chance of you being able to do it.
"It’s very important that people come before you because then you see that with enough talent and hard work you can do it yourself." Foden is currently showing his worth to his nation at the World Cup where he has impressed since being introduced for the clash with Wales in November.
Palmer meanwhile has been recovering from last season's injury setback and the 20-year-old added that he is making a point of reminding Lewis of his talent. "I always tell him so he knows how good I think he is," Palmer said.
"Now he’s just got to work hard and I’m sure he’ll get to the top." Both men will be hoping that they can start for City when they return to action on Thursday, December 22 in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool.
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