Phil Foden 'the best player in the Premier League right now' - Pep Guardiola after two-goal display in Manchester derby

Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Phil Foden, labelling him “the best player in the Premier League right now” following his stunning display in Manchester City’s win over Manchester United.

City trailed early to a stunning Marcus Rashford goal, and there was frustration at the Etihad when Erling Haaland missed a sitter shortly before half-time.

Foden drove City on and he was rewarded for his endeavour when drawing his side level with a stunning 20-yard thunderbolt into the top corner on 56 minutes.

City continued to dominate but found United tough to crack, until Foden scampered through and fired home on 80 minutes.

Haaland got his goal with a smart finish in injury time, but it was Foden who earned the plaudits of his manager.

“It is the amount of games he is playing,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively.”

Versatility can be a blessing and a curse for footballers, but Guardiola feels it is a useful tool for Foden.

Guardiola said: “He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left.

“What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable."

Foden’s work ethic has been impressive this season, and Guardiola says it is a given that players perform in attack and defence.

“When he scores two goals it [the defensive work] gives me more pleasure than the other stuff,” Guardiola said. “We don't negotiate over that, the guy who doesn't do that doesn't stay in the team.

“He loves football, he lives for football. He is a joy and his work ethic is unbelievable."

City’s win kept them within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool, and Guardiola said the destiny of the title was in their hands.

“It is about us,” he said. “We can't control what Liverpool or Arsenal, Aston Villa or other contenders do, it is about us.

“We do what we have to do to win today, next Wednesday and Sunday. This team is legendary.”

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