Kyle Walker has named the player Manchester City ‘lean on’ to help them win big games.
Manchester City’s unbeaten streak stretched to 19 matches on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
It was a tougher game than anticipated, though, as City had to fight back from a goal down after a Marcus Rashford stunner gave the visitors an early lead.
Pep Guardiola’s side was always in control and their dominance did pay off just after the break when Phil Foden blasted in a screamer of his own.
The 23-year-old would score again to complete the turnaround before Erling Haaland sealed the win in stoppage time.
It was vital City picked up the three points to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool at the top of the table ahead of their meeting next Sunday.
City can thank Foden for yet another vital contribution and Kyle Walker says he has become a player City rely on.
Kyle Walker sings Phil Foden’s praises
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Walker said: “The second [goal], coming off the left hand and you probably don’t see Phil in that position.
“But for him to find the corner as he’s done, I feel that just shows his flexibility where he can play on both sides.
“And he’s even been trusted down the middle as well this year which I think is a big part of the responsibility he’s taken on.
“We lean on him and we need important players like him because they go and win you games.”
What a season Phil Foden is having
Foden is enjoying a great campaign and has now made himself undroppable in Guardiola’s side.
For years, the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ could fall victim to the manager’s rotation policy but now, unless being rested in a cup game, he is in the team.
Foden has started all but two league matches this season and he hasn’t been named on the bench since early November, and he even scored in that game.
He has repaid the faith shown in him by already breaking his best-ever goal contribution tally and there is still a significant chunk of the season yet to play.
Guardiola’s nurturing of Foden has been second to none and now everyone is reaping the rewards.
