Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Man City3 - 1Plymouth

sportsmole.co.uk, 3 March 2025, 17:27

Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has labelled Vitor Reis "a young John Stones" after his 'really impressive' home debut against Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side have secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after coming from behind to beat the Pilgrims 3-1 in the fifth round at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of a brace from Nico O'Reilly and a goal from Kevin De Bruyne.

While both O'Reilly and De Bruyne received plenty of plaudits for their contributions against Plymouth, McInerney felt that 'the story of the game' was the performance of 19-year-old defender Reis, who joined City from Palmeiras for a reported £29m in January, despite reported interest from several top clubs including Real Madrid.

No player touched the ball on more occasions (109), completed more successful passes (87), won more duels (11) and made more clearances (nine) in City's win over Plymouth than Reis, who showed both physicality and composure at the heart of Guardiola's backline.

"I was really impressed with him! I'm not exaggerating to say I've been thinking about his performance since the weekend," McInerney told Sports Mole.

"I thought he looked composed in his first game against Leyton Orient, but I wasn't so sure if Vitor Reis would be ready (for regular first-team football) if needed any time soon, because he looks quite slender, he didn't have much physical stuff to do and I think there was one time when he was beaten the pace.

Vitor Reis: Is "a young John Stones" destined to become a "brilliant footballer"?

"He looks talented, composed, but I didn't know if he was going to be there yet physically for a while. I was really impressed with him against Plymouth, though. There's so many videos going around of his aerial dominance and I noticed that during the game.

"The amount of times he'd leap like a salmon to get above the defender. He was winning headers for fun. I looked at the stats afterwards and I think he completed nine out of 13 aerial duels against a big man up top, against a side that know how to be physical and direct.

"I was really impressed by his physicality as well as his composure. He's that kind of defender who doesn't just head the ball, he heads and passes the ball at the same time. [Abdukodir] Khusanov's like that too. It's a very rare trait where they don't just clear it, they pass it.

"The way he spoke after the game as well, he spoke like a captain. I've been sat there thinking the last couple of days that Khusanov looks brilliant and Vitor Reis is actually slightly more ahead than I realised he was, because even though he's slender, he's physical, he's aggressive and he's strong.

"Reis also looks like a young John Stones, you could watch a compilation from that game and if someone told you that it was John Stones at 16, 17 when he joined City, I would honestly believe you, because the similarities to where he approached the game and the way he moves were uncanny.

"That for me was exciting. I think he's going to be a brilliant footballer. I think all the hype around him, the fact that Real Madrid wanted him and all these other sides, I saw it.

"It was just Plymouth, I get it, but physically, I was really impressed and with his composure as well. We've seen Khusanov look brilliant and I think Vitor Reis might just be as exciting."

Guardiola "will have no trouble leaning on" Reis, Khusanov

With Stones and Manuel Akanji sidelined for several weeks through injury and Nathan Ake also facing another spell in the treatment room after being taken off at half time against Plymouth, McInerney believes that Guardiola has "no choice" but to rely on Reis and fellow new recruit Abdukodir Khusanov to play regularly in defence along with Ruben Dias.

"Absolutely. I think we have no choice (but to rely on Reis and Khusanov) and Guardiola was very thankful afterwards saying he's glad that we got these two, because otherwise we'd just have Ruben Dias," McInerney added.

"We've had Jahmai Simpson-Pusey a bit this season. He looks such a talent, but I mean this with the greatest respect to him, even in just these glimpses of what we've seen of Khusanov, in particular, and Vitor Reis, they do look like they're ahead of him. They do look like they're more complete.

"Simpson-Pusey might be City's best young academy prospect, but I think Vitor Reis is the best young defensive prospect in South America, potentially...I think he's way more ready (for first-team involvement).

"I think Guardiola will have no trouble leaning on these two, especially at home in games where City are controlling the ball and so on, like we were against Plymouth, and we're getting better at that.

"If City had a paring of Vitor Reis and Khusanov against Leicester at home (April 2), I wouldn't be concerned, and this might sound mad, but I wouldn't even be concerned at Old Trafford (against Manchester United on April 6), given their form. I think they've got inherent quality."

Press play on the video at the top of this article to hear the full discussion.

Written by

Oliver Thomas

3 March 2025
talksport.com
Sunderland teammate 'star-struck' as Jobe Bellingham makes Championship history
Jobe Bellingham made Championship history in Sunderland's last outing.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Feyenoordvs.Inter Milan
Aiming to take down another Italian giant in this season's Champions League, Feyenoord will welcome Inter Milan to De Kuip on Wednesday.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Atletico Madrid's secret weapons that make them huge Champions League contenders
Atletico Madrid boast 'the best bench in Europe' - and it could see them scoop the Champions League this season.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Arsenal's favourite for new sporting director signed Rodri for just £16.5m
Former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta has emerged as the frontrunner to take the same role at Arsenal.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Spurs star who didn't like football embarrassed Redknapp with £8m signing remark
Harry Redknapp was left with his head in his hands after Benoit Assou-Ekotto admitted he didn't know who Tottenham's blockbuster new signing was.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Liverpool eye Champions League quarter-finals but face tough task against PSG
Liverpool will be in France this week aiming to take one step towards the Champions League quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Nwaneri could emulate Bellingham as Arsenal eye advantage in UCL last 16 tie
Arsenal take on PSV Eindhoven this week aiming to get off to the best possible start in their Champions League last 16 tie.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'yet to begin contract talks' with key midfielder
Arsenal are reportedly yet to commence contract negotiations with midfielder Thomas Partey.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Ex-Man United man shocked at £400k lottery win as TV crew turns up on doorstep
A former Manchester United, who played during the 'Busby Babe' era has become £400,000 richer having won the lottery.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona transfer news: Wojciech Szczesny provides update on future, Marc-Andre ter Stegen competition
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has hinted that he may be prepared to remain at Camp Nou in the long term.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Mathys Tel names surprise star as best player he's played with over Harry Kane
Mathys Tel ignored Harry Kane when naming the best player he has ever played with.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Ruben Amorim bidding for reunion with Sporting Lisbon star?
Manchester United have reportedly identified Sporting Lisbon winger Francisco Trincao as a potential summer transfer target.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona in 'contract negotiations' to secure long-term future of key attacker
Barcelona have reportedly started negotiations with Raphinha over a new contract.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos 'send scouts' to report on Crystal Palace star amid Man United interest
Real Madrid have reportedly sent scouts to report on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Iconic European stadium could be knocked down with 10,000 seats too dangerous
Napoli are considering demolishing their stadium if they are unable to reopen an area containing 10,000 seats.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'among three Premier League clubs' ready to make £37m Ademola Lookman bid
Liverpool are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs prepared to offer around €45m (£37m) to sign Ademola Lookman in the summer transfer window.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Real Madrid eye Palace star but face competition from Premier League giants
European giants Real Madrid are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, talkSPORT understands.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Simon Jordan blasts Millwall goalkeeper as Liam Roberts could face extended ban
Liam Roberts has been branded 'cowardly' for his reckless challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Forgotten Arsenal star with most assists in Serie A likened to Inter Milan icon
Nuno Tavares is unlike any player that Serie A has seen before - the Arsenal loanee is a bullet train that can't be stopped.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
PSGvs.Liverpool
Arsenal should take the lessons from their hard-fought win over Porto to get past PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 of the Champions League, Gunners expert Charles Watts has told Sports Mole.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Truth behind claim Ronaldo is facing 99 lashes in Iran as absence explained
The Iranian embassy has denied a story that Cristiano Ronaldo isn't playing in their country due to an incident with a fan in 2023.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Shock club plot Ronaldo transfer talks as Al Nassr contract set to expire
Portuguesa president Alex Bourgeois has expressed his desire to persuade Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to join the Brazilian club.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Benficavs.Barcelona
Barcelona's quest for Champions League stardom resumes with the first leg of their last-16 battle with Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night, where head coach Hansi Flick should only be missing three players.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolves transfer news: Hugo Bueno comments on Feyenoord loan, long-term future
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Hugo Bueno has revealed that his loan spell at Feyenoord has 'changed his mentality'.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Benficavs.Barcelona
With a lot to live up to following a nine-goal extravaganza in the league phase, Benfica and Barcelona cross paths once again on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 battle at the Estadio da Luz.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Frank Lampard reveals unseen role Pep Guardiola has played in Coventry success
Frank Lampard has revealed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola played a key role in his success at Coventry City.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Amorim on cusp of unwanted record as awful record laid bare ahead of huge games
Ruben Amorim's dream Manchester United job has slowly turned into a nightmare - and he's been warned it could get a lot worse.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Copenhagenvs.Chelsea
Chelsea return to action on Thursday evening when they square off against Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
AZvs.Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur return to action on Thursday evening when they square off against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Sociedadvs.Man Utd
Manchester United return to action on Thursday night when they square off against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
3 March 2025
talksport.com
Rooney wants veteran former star at Man United as Zirkzee and Hojlund struggle
Wayne Rooney has admitted that he wants to see Danny Welbeck return to Manchester United.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'enter advanced talks' with award-winning sporting director as Edu's 'top replacement' identified
Arsenal have reportedly earmarked ex-Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta as their number one candidate to become their new sporting director.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Spurs transfer news: Timo Werner decision made ahead of summer window?
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a final decision over the long-term future of Timo Werner.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
PSGvs.Liverpool
Two sides both holding 13-point leads at the top of their domestic divisions collide in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg, as Paris Saint-Germain tackle Liverpool at the Parc des Princes.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool transfer news: Saudi giants preparing big-money bid for star man?
A Saudi Pro League club is reportedly preparing to make a lucrative approach for a Liverpool star man ahead of the summer transfer window.
3 March 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Arsenal-linked midfielder on Red Devils radar ahead of summer?
Manchester United are reportedly toying with a potential approach for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk With a place in League B of the UEFA Nations League up for grabs, Slovakia will host Slovenia in the first leg of their playoff tie on Thursday at Stadion Tehelne pole. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany hopes that Phil Foden can play himself back into form under new England head coach Thomas Tuchel having previously endured 'poor stints' at international level. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman has confirmed his season is over following his latest injury setback. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly interested in four Bundesliga stars ahead of the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women have been left with a mountain to climb in the Women's Champions League owing to a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Morgan Gibbs-White has revealed his reaction to receiving a late England call-up from Thomas Tuchel. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jeremie Frimpong has fuelled speculation over a summer move to Liverpool by greeting Ryan Gravenberch in a scouse accent. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has seen three players withdraw from his squad due to injury ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Netherlands at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has named his 24-man squad ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Spain at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk UEFA Nations League holders Spain travel to De Kuip in Rotterdam to face the Netherlands in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday night. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Al Nassr are plotting a stunning move to sign Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A trio of England under-21 players joined Thomas Tuchel's training session on Tuesday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have confirmed that Cole Palmer has returned from the England squad to undergo further assessment on the injury he sustained before Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Continuing their quest for a first UEFA Nations League crown, Italy will welcome familiar foes Germany to San Siro on Thursday evening, as the pair play out the first leg of an enticing quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal fans may have to wait until next season to see the best of Bukayo Saka ahead of his imminent return from hamstring surgery, Gunners expert Charles Watts believes. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jean-Philippe Mateta injury was so severe his plastic surgeon refused to show him pictures of his ear. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ultimately aiming to claim a first UEFA Nations League title, Germany will kick off their quarter-final clash with old foes Italy on Thursday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has suggested that Darwin Nunez could still have a future at Anfield, but not as Arne Slot's starting number nine. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Armenia host neighbours Georgia in Yerevan on Thursday evening, as the two nations fight for the right to play in league B of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool are ready to consider offers for striker Darwin Nunez, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Austria host Serbia on Thursday evening, looking to gain an advantage in their two-legged playoff for the right to play in Group A of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Seeking a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, European heavyweights Italy and Germany will convene at San Siro on Thursday, for the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Luka Modric has reportedly decided whether he intends to remain at Real Madrid past the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Leicester player Hamza Choudhury was mobbed by fans after arriving for his first senior international call-up. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is allegedly the subject of surprise interest from a Bundesliga club. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A brand-new competition will be taking place this summer, with some of the world's biggest clubs eyeing glory in the USA. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Ola Aina had a hilarious response to discovering he would be sharing a bed with Alex Iwobi on international duty. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Arsenal have added Carabao Cup winning Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to their list of summer transfer targets, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Vying for a place in the UEFA Nations League's top tier, Scotland and Greece will meet for the first leg of their promotion/relegation playoff on Thursday.