Pep Guardiola has crowned Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden as “world-class” after his side’s 1-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
As Julian Alvarez was benched for the first time in the Premier League this season, the Englishman was deployed in the number ten role instead of him.
Phil Foden did not disappoint as his 24th-minute strike ended up being the difference between City and Bournemouth in Saturday’s clash.
Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden is “world-class” after Manchester City beat Bournemouth
After the Sky Blues got the all-important three points, Alan Smith picked the 23-year-old as his Player of The Match and claimed that he is having a “wonderful season.”
As Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was told that Phil Foden had scored his 16th goal of the campaign in all competitions this season against Bournemouth, he raved about his display.
“Forget about the goals, of course, it’s really important. Do you know how he played? How he controlled and accelerated? He has become already a top-class football player. Before, he was a little boy, good actions”, Guardiola said [via HaytersTV].
“Now, has become, already Phil [Foden], a world-class, top player. He’s so good, can play anywhere, especially in the central positions, is really, really, really good.”
Phil Foden was a joy to watch against the Cherries
Pep Guardiola is right to emphasise that aside from the goal, Phil Foden was exceptional against Bournemouth for Manchester City.
As Guardiola also stated, the £225,000-a-week (Sport Rac) attacker picked the perfect moments to be aggressive and when to keep things simple in possession.
Phil Foden’s stunning dribbling and close control meant he darted past Bournemouth’s defenders on several occasions while also helping his side transition up the pitch with a neat first-time pass.
However, even when Manchester City were in the ascendancy in the first half, Foden controlled the rhythm of the contest to ensure his side did not get dragged into an end-to-end encounter.
Unfortunately for the match-winner on the day, his teammates did not seem to get the memo as Andoni Iraola’s side really grew into the game in the second half.
But as the visitors ultimately got the job done at the Vitality Stadium, Phil Foden was, hands down the best player on the pitch.
