Rico now breathes easier in middle

RICO LEWIS felt out of puff after 10 minutes in Villarreal but he could be ready to breathe new life into Manchester City's midfield.

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

Pep Guardiola is still working out his best combinations in the engine room, having said goodbye to long-serving legends Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in the summer and unable to rely on Rodri's fitness.

Nico Gonzalez is stepping up to cover for the Ballon d'Or winner and further forward Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders had been the preferred choice.