‘That Is Not Normal’ – Manchester City Talent Grabs Ex-Netherlands Star’s Attention
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Former Netherlands international Rene van der Gijp has expressed his immense admiration for Manchester City‘s Nico O’Reilly following the star’s match-winning contribution against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Manchester City are currently engaged in a fierce battle for the Premier League title against Arsenal and have now secured a record-extending eighth consecutive semi-final trip to Wembley.
Pep Guardiola’s side have maintained an extraordinary run of form at the Etihad Stadium, where they have now recorded 18 consecutive victories in the FA Cup.
During the 4-0 win over Liverpool on Saturday, Manchester City scored four times in a devastating 18-minute spell to overwhelm their rivals and book their place in the next round.
O’Reilly has registered four goals and three assists in the Premier League this season and was the standout performer against the Reds at the Etihad.
The 21-year-old won the crucial penalty after outmanoeuvring Virgil van Dijk and later provided a cutback for Erling Haaland to complete his hat-trick.
Van der Gijp was struck by the defensive maturity shown by the starlet, who successfully stifled the threat of Mohamed Salah from the left-back position.
The former Netherlands winger was left in awe of the versatility displayed by the academy graduate, noting that his ability to excel in multiple roles is truly exceptional.
In an appearance on Vandaag Inside, the former Dutch international, speaking about O’Reilly: “He is so incredibly good, that is not normal, and he played left-back against Salah.
“This season [for Manchester City] he has played on the left side of the defence, left-back, every position in midfield, left winger, and striker.
“That really is not normal, what a player he is.”
With the EFL Cup already secured, Manchester City could finish the season having won both domestic cup competitions.
Guardiola though will surely be keen to reel in Arsenal in the Premier League, meaning a treble would then be possible.
Included in the last England squad by Thomas Tuchel, O’Reilly will want to make sure he has a spot on the plane for the World Cup this summer and his performances at club level are doing his case no harm at all.
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