Joleon Lescott has named who has been Manchester City’s most important player this season and it isn’t Rodri.
Manchester City continued their remarkable start to 2024 by picking up a 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side were given an early scare when Marcus Rashford blasted in a sensational opener.
City dominated the first half but couldn’t convert the possession into a goal, with Erling Haaland missing a remarkable sitter.
But the control eventually paid off when Phil Foden blasted in the leveller just after the break.
The 23-year-old scored again to complete the turnaround before Haaland avenged his miss with a late third.
It was yet another decisive display from Foden and Joleon Lescott believes he has been City’s most important player this season.
Joleon Lescott’s praise for Phil Foden
Speaking to the Premier League, Lescott said: “He’s having a fantastic season, and he’s showing to be Man City’s most important player this season.
“Not just his goals but his overall contribution were fantastic. The two goals were just pure class.”
Is Phil Foden more important than Rodri?
Foden is having an incredible season but it’s still hard to put him above Rodri when we’re rating on importance to the side.
City have managed to carry on and get results without Foden, Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne but things fall apart when the Spaniard isn’t in the team.
Rodri hasn’t lost a match in City colours for well over a year now but the Blues have lost all four games without him this season.
It’s clear he makes the team tick and Guardiola really could do with finding a good solution for when he is unavailable.
But that’s not to discount Foden, who has stepped up considerably, especially when De Bruyne and Haaland were absent.
His brace means he’s now on 28 goal contributions for the season, already better than his previous record tally of 26. Who knows how high it could go.
