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Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League right now and he only further reinforced that title with his brace in the Manchester derby, according to Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City boss was amazed by his playmaker’s performance as he played a key role in dismantling a United side that took a surprising early lead at the Etihad Stadium.
Foden now has 18 goals and 10 assists for the season and received a standing ovation when he was taken off.
When asked later where Foden ranked in the Premier League, Guardiola had no doubts about where he would place him.
“He can play in the center, on the right, create moments and cut inside, play on the left and score from the left.” What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now because of the amount of things he does. Incredible,” Guardiola told the BBC.
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‘It’s the amount of games you’re playing. He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands the game better, especially on a defensive level.
“When he scores two goals it gives me more pleasure than anything else. We don’t negotiate about that, whoever doesn’t do it doesn’t stay on the team.
“He loves football, he lives for football. He’s a joy and his work ethic is incredible.”
Foden grabbed all the headlines with his winning performance against United, with two goals giving the Premier League champions a comeback after Rashford’s early goal.
When asked about Foden’s impact this season, Manchester City captain Kyle Walker echoed his manager’s thoughts.
“This season has been nothing short of first class,” Walker told Sky Sports.
‘That’s the standard he sets for himself and we set for him. It’s the standard he needs to maintain now.
‘When he comes in with his left foot we call him a sniper because he likes to shoot. When he comes in on the wrong foot, you know he has the calm and composure to pick his spot.
‘We lean on him. We need important players like him because they help you win games.
“He pushes himself and is always shooting more. His goals are coming, he’s reaping the rewards and he needs to keep those standards high.”