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Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League right now and will go down in history for Manchester City, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola praised Foden after his second-half double inspired a critical 3-1 comeback victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
City were completely dominant, but they were still down to Marcus Rashford’s magnificent eighth-minute piledriver before striker Foden stole centre stage in the second half.
The 23-year-old local sent a magnificent left-footed effort into the roof of the net in the 56th minute before beating Andre Onana with a perfect finish after 80 minutes.
Erling Haaland’s 18th league goal of the season, his sixth of the week, rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, but nothing could take the spotlight away from Foden, who now has 11 league goals this season, equaling his record.
“It’s the number of games he’s playing.” “He was always a talented player, but now he is more mature and understands the game better, particularly defensively,” Guardiola told the BBC.
“He can play in the middle or on the right, create opportunities and cut inside, play on the left, and score from there. What shall I say? He is currently the top player in the Premier League due to the number of things he accomplishes. Unbelievable.”
Foden’s brilliance and consistency make him unstoppable, even in a side stacked with world-class players. His present form makes it impossible that he will not be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
“We don’t negotiate over that,” Guardiola remarked when questioned about Foden’s defensive discipline. “The guy who doesn’t do that does not stay on the squad. He loves football and lives for it. He’s a joy, and his work ethic is amazing.”
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Guardiola was no less enthusiastic in his appreciation of Foden when speaking with Sky Sports.
“He will already be a legendary player because in a short age, the games played, the minutes, the goals scored, the titles won and he is from the home and that is why the connection with the fans is unbelievable,” manager Pep Guardiola said.
“He’s the player of the season. “No one has been as decisive for us as him this season.”
City are now unbeaten in 19 matches in all competitions and will go to Anfield next weekend for a showdown with leaders Liverpool, who are one point ahead.
Arsenal can close the gap on Liverpool by two points if they win at bottom-place Sheffield United on Monday.
Will we do it? When asked if his team would win the league for the fourth time in a row, Guardiola replied, “I’m not sure.”
“We have more points at this stage than previous season. The difference is that Liverpool has, I’m not sure how many more points than at this stage last season. What can I say when the opponent behaves like this? Congratulations so far.
“We will continue to try game by game.”
