Nico O'Reilly has admitted he relishes his role as a player who delivers when it matters most, but the England left-back revealed he is being played out of position by manager Thomas Tuchel. The 21-year-old Manchester City full-back, who sees himself as a midfielder by trade, has developed a knack for rising to the occasion, which is precisely why he is savouring the opportunity to do so once more for England at the World Cup.
O'Reilly thrives on big occasions
O'Reilly emerged as City's two-goal match-winner in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley three months ago. He made his England debut against Croatia last Wednesday and is prepared to take on Ghana in Boston on Tuesday as England seek to secure their passage into the knockout rounds. Despite the daunting prospect for a young player, O'Reilly appeared brimming with self-assurance.
"Yeah, I love a big occasion, I think it brings more out of me when I am stepping up to the bigger stages and I like playing under pressure," O'Reilly said. "I feel like I thrive off it and just enjoy it. Just taking the game and playing free, really, playing with a smile on my face and enjoying the experience."
Midfielder at heart, left-back by trade
O'Reilly has been among the standout narratives of last season, having helped City claim a domestic cup Double while cementing his position in the England setup. He enters this World Cup as the undisputed first-choice left-back. Yet he still views himself as a midfielder, the position in which he was brought up playing. Even operating at left-back, he continues to push forward into midfield areas.
"I think in the future I will be back in midfield, my profile, everything fits there, and maybe a box-to-box midfielder, but left-back, I have been enjoying it and it has got me here now to a World Cup," O'Reilly said. "Playing at left-back I have been playing in the middle for most of it anyway so it's not like I am playing as a traditional left-back, even in England, I am still coming inside and allowed to drift in and drift out wide so it is a bit more relaxed."
England's shaky start and support network
England appeared uncertain early on during their opening fixture against Croatia, but O'Reilly insists that was predictable and the team are now poised to hit their stride. "I think, obviously, it was the first game of the tournament, everyone was a bit shaky, and it was bound to happen," he said. "Maybe people were scared to misplace a pass or make a mistake. But yeah, I think after that chat, we all got together, we started playing freely and it opened up for us."
O'Reilly says he benefits from a robust support network, including his mum, who travelled to the States to back him. "It is massive, very important. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have my support and that right behind me, going in the right direction, giving me advice," he said. "The hardest thing is avoiding the outside noise, it can be a lot for young people but there is a lot of support there but people help me and guide me in the right way."
Tattoos and World Cup dreams
O'Reilly sports numerous tattoos, including one bearing the 0161 Manchester dialling code and ink on his right hand reading "No Risk, No Story." He is already contemplating his next tattoo, particularly if England win the World Cup. "For me personally, I just like to risk. I think if you don't risk and you don't take the chance, then you never know what's gonna happen," he said. "Maybe a World Cup one. It's a dream to play at a World Cup. If we win it'll be something that sticks with me forever."
