Monday night’s meeting between Manchester City and Brentford was an exciting and highly entertaining encounter. Neal Maupay’s goal in the first half put the Bees in frony at the Gtech Stadium.
However, Foden displayed his talent and attacking prowess once more, scoring a brilliant hat-trick – the second of his career – as the champions recorded their ninth win on the bounce.
This win now leaves City just two points behind leaders Liverpool and in second place with a game in hand.
Guardiola also gave Academy graduate Phil Foden, further heartfelt praise as he reflected on the victory, stating that the England player was having his most productive season to far.
Guardiola hails in-form Foden enjoying form of his life
“We knew it from the other day. I said a few weeks ago that Phil is having is most influential season in the team in terms of goals and assists”, Guardiola declared after the victory against Brentford.
“This season he’s been so important to us.”
“He reads the game really well. How he plays simple and be more aggressive.”
“Always he has the pleasure to score goals and the threat in the six-yard box, always he’s there.”
“He’s a clever runner and how he runs for the team. He’s an exceptional player.”
“At his age playing 250 appearances for City – that means he’s had an influence since he arrived.”
Despite his tender young age of 23, Foden already holds 16 major trophies and has amassed a plethora of big game experience for both club and country.
And with that, Guardiola is certain that Foden’s skill and experience will make him a valuable leader for City in the long run.
“He will take over from Kevin and Bernardo in the future – that is going to happen”, Guardiola added.
“It’s a question of process. Every season the experience he gets, he will have to lead for the other ones.”
“Still, he is being led but there will be a moment.”
“I have to say something that since day one playing on the field, he feels mature and feels ‘I don’t care, I have enough experience and I don’t feel the pressure’.”
“A player from the Academy with this level and consistency for many years. I don’t know how many trophies all the ones we won, 15 or 16 at that age.”
“As much as he is focused on that he will have a successful and long career, but it depends on him.”
“How much he wants to be focused on his job and every detail in his life he can do whatever he wants.”