Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw and Nico O’Reilly are the three leading contenders for a position that remains up for grabs
By WhoScored
A year ago, when England began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Albania, the prospect of Nico O’Reilly making the squad seemed very distant. He was yet to earn a cap and had played just 23 minutes of Premier League football. But he is now close to indispensable for Manchester City, having started 23 league games this season and earned two England caps in the process.
Eleven new players have joined City this season, but none has made more of an impression than the academy graduate. Despite being developed as a midfielder, O’Reilly has transitioned seamlessly into the left-back position. His ability to retain the ball under pressure, carry it up the pitch and thread passes with composure and vision make him a crucial presence in the attack. He is the top-scoring full-back in the Premier League this season with four goals.
At the other end of the pitch his timing, positioning and 6ft 4in frame make him one of the best in the league at disrupting counterattacks, intercepting passes and winning second balls. He has made more tackles than any other City player in the league this season. His eight goals and five assists in all competitions have more than repaid Guardiola’s faith.
