Back in September, Phil Foden aired his desire to be the best player in the Premier League. Fast forward six months, and his manager has confirmed just that.
After Foden's latest masterclass secured another three points for Manchester City - this time against Manchester United in the derby - Pep Guardiola declared: "What can I say?
He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable." Foden has a personal-best 18 goals this season, plus ten assists from 40 appearances, and has increasingly taken control of tight games to turn potentially-difficult games into comfortable wins for City.
He's also stepping up in big games when it matters - whether it be another Manchester derby, a Champions League knockout, or the Club World Cup final. READ MORE: Nemesis set to return from injury at perfect time for Liverpool and worst for Pep Guardiola ALSO READ: "It means more" - Trent Alexander-Arnold makes lazy Man City spending jibe ahead of Liverpool showdown "He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively," Guardiola said. "He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left." He is undoubtedly playing the best football of his career, and it's hard to argue with Guardiola's regular praise for the forward.