Nico O'Reilly's match-winning performance in the Carabao Cup final was a “testament” to those at the club who have kept him “level-headed”, says former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd.
The left-back, who only turned 21 on Saturday, was the Wembley hero on Sunday after scoring Manchester City's two goals against Arsenal that secured them a fifth League Cup under Pep Guardiola.
It was a dream day for versatile O'Reilly – a first major trophy with the club having graduated from the City academy and only made a senior debut last season as the side struggled with injuries.
"He seems like a really level-headed boy. He plays with maturity," Bothroyd told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"The fact he has played in a few positions as he has been coming up through the Manchester City academy has really helped his game. He said in an interview that, as a midfielder, he was always encouraged to get into the box, and that is exactly what happened on Sunday. He arrived in the box and got his two goals.
"It is a testament to Pep Guardiola, the experienced players around him and the coaches who have all kept him level-headed.
"He is a top, top player and he should be starting for England as left-back."
Listen to the full discussion from 01:52:00 on BBC Sounds
