Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has drummed up support for young midfielder Nico O’Reilly in the race for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, praising the teenager’s performances in his breakthrough campaign.

Speaking in an interview after Man City’s win over Arsenal on Sunday night, April 19, Guardiola highlighted O’Reilly’s consistency and impact on Man City’s matches across the season, saying the youngster has already done enough to stand out among his peers.

According to a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Guardiola said, “Nico O’Reilly deserves to win PL Best Young Player of the Season!

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“What a season he had! I don’t know who the best player of the season is, but the Young one?! It has to be Nico.”

O’Reilly provided the assist for Erling Haaland in the second half as Man City beat Arsenal 2-1 to pile up pressure on the leaders.

The Manchester City boss also admitted he was unsure who would claim the overall Player of the Season honour, but was far more certain when it came to the youth category.

Guardiola’s comments are expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile further as the season’s individual awards approach, with the teenager increasingly seen as one of the club’s most promising emerging talents.