Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Phil Foden with new long-term contract imminent

Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Manchester City star Phil Foden.

Amidst the doubts about Phil Foden’s ability from several fans and pundits alike after his quiet showing for England against Germany in the Nations League, he silenced all his doubters with a stunning hat-trick in the Manchester Derby.

However, those who have been paying close attention to the Stockport-born youngster’s rise in the Manchester City first-team, will be well aware of his record on the biggest of stages is nothing short of stupendous.

Rightly regarded as one of the best young players in the world, it has been reported for months that the Sky Blues wish to tie the 22-year old down to a new long-term contract.

All the recent speculation has pointed to the fact that the four-time Premier League champion’s brand-new deal is all but confirmed, with him set to stay at his boyhood club till 2027.

Alamy)

Ahead of City’s upcoming Champions League group stage tie against FC Copenhagen, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about Phil Foden’s imminent contract extension as well as his importance to the side.

“A lot, young player, a reality to his performances in these years. We want him to stay years and years,” he said.

Guardiola was also questioned about how the England international stacks up in comparison to the unstoppable Erling Haaland.

“Exceptional player, grew up a lot. He's reliable his physical condition, so intense and clever in everything.

"Can play every three days. Both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it.”

With Kevin De Bruyne recently suggesting that the versatile operator’s future lies in central midfield, the 51-year old was asked to share his thoughts on the Sky Blues' vice-captain’s opinion.

“I agree with Kevin, hasn't played there many times.

"Phil can play five positions, even play as a left-back. In the middle, have to pay a bit more attention.

"Some aspects, his unbelievable instincts. In the middle, the sides is easier. With the ball, especially without, he has to improve. "It's normal. His age and desire to learn he will do it, no doubt.”

A question was also posed to the Spanish coach about how much Foden has improved since he was moved into the first- team in 2017.

“The impact when I arrived was wow. The second he started to play important games, he doesn't feel pressure. Like Bernardo. He behaves better.

"You saw the assist for Erling, starts for our box, he can do it and in smaller spaces good.

"As a striker also, the movements in behind. Incredible, can do many things. Every years, the more games you play you're a better player.”

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden (Alamy)

Also touching on whether the City academy graduate could have a key role at the upcoming World Cup, Guardiola commented: “I wish, I wish England to do a good tournament. I speak to Gareth and know most of the players. Hopefully they can do it.”

With Pep Guardiola clearly having little to no complaints about Phil Foden’s development, Manchester City fans have plenty of reasons to continue to be excited about one of their own.