A remarkable transformation has unfolded for Nico O’Reilly, who has gone from playing in Manchester City’s Under-21s to making his debut for the England national team in just one year. After experiencing a heavy 5-0 defeat to Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy on September 27, 2022, O’Reilly stepped onto the pitch as a left-back for the senior national team during a match against Serbia on September 28, 2023. This rapid rise marks a significant milestone in the young player’s career, as he now sets his sights on inclusion in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
O’Reilly, who originally aspired to play in midfield, has embraced his new role at left-back under the guidance of both Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel. Following his debut, the 20-year-old acknowledged the shift in his position, stating, “Yeah, at the minute… I think I’ve been dominating that position at my club.” His performance has indeed been impressive, as he has started in seven of Manchester City’s last eight Premier League matches at left-back and has participated in three of their four Champions League fixtures in the same position.
This season began with O’Reilly making a few appearances in midfield but took a turn when summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri suffered a hamstring injury in late August. Since then, O’Reilly has solidified his position, leaving Ait-Nouri struggling to regain a starting spot after an unconvincing performance in a recent Carabao Cup match against Swansea. The irony lies in Manchester City’s years spent seeking a specialist left-back, only to discover that O’Reilly, a product of their academy, has excelled in that role.
Speaking to ITV after his England debut, O’Reilly displayed a calm demeanor, which is characteristic of his personality. Thomas Tuchel praised his adaptation to the new demands of playing left-back, saying, “Nico had a fantastic debut today… he is very intelligent on the pitch and adapted so well to all the new things we demand from him.”
O’Reilly’s ambition extends beyond his club success. He has openly expressed his desire to compete in the World Cup, a goal that seemed distant just a year ago. “It is an aim for me to try to get to the World Cup,” he remarked, acknowledging the fierce competition for spots within the England squad. The current landscape for left-back options in the national team is relatively limited, with players like Myles Lewis-Skelly struggling to secure consistent game time at Arsenal, and Djed Spence and Tino Livramento being natural right-backs.
As O’Reilly continues to gain traction in his new position, he may find himself emerging as the first-choice left-back for both Manchester City and the England national team. His journey from a mid-season setback to the international stage underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
In a year that has transformed his career, O’Reilly stands at the precipice of further success, determined to seize every opportunity presented to him. With ongoing hard work and focus, he aims to solidify his place in both club and country as the World Cup approaches.
