In Manchester, England, Phil Foden’s impressive performance in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa left manager Pep Guardiola singing his praises. Guardiola described Foden as having a remarkable talent for scoring goals, particularly evident in the young forward’s sublime hat-trick that helped keep City in the running to retain their Premier League title.
Despite City’s usual top scorer Erling Haaland remaining on the bench, Foden stepped up to the challenge and showcased his skills, scoring his first goal with a fantastic free kick just before halftime.
Guardiola commended Foden’s work ethic and ability to find the back of the net, stating, “He has goals in his veins and we have to use him,” while highlighting the player’s natural talent as something truly special.
The 23-year-old English international secured his hat-trick with two more goals in the second half, including a stunning long-range strike, bringing his total goals for the season to an impressive 21 across all competitions.
Guardiola expressed his belief that Foden’s potential is limitless, stating, “He can do whatever he wants. He is a really top-class player, we know it.”
The City manager also acknowledged the contributions of Foden’s team mates, particularly Rodri, who assisted in setting up his second goal.
Former City defender Joleon Lescott drew comparisons between Foden and the likes of Wayne Rooney, praising Foden’s dedication to the sport and his relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the field.
Despite Haaland leading the league with 18 goals, Guardiola opted to rest the prolific striker and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in preparation for upcoming matches against Crystal Palace and Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Guardiola cited the demanding schedule as the reason for resting key players, emphasizing the importance of fresh legs and recovery after a recent match against Arsenal.
With Arsenal moving into the top spot with 68 points following their win over Luton Town, Manchester City currently sits in third place with 67 points, level with Liverpool. The stage is set for Liverpool to reclaim the top spot with a potential win over Sheffield United in their upcoming match.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond)
