Pep Guardiola: "Phil Foden Is The Most Talented Player I've Ever Seen"

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid Phil Foden the ultimate complement by suggesting he is "the most talented player" he's ever seen.

The 19-year-old, who played in 26 games last season, scoring seven times, has once again impressed during City's pre-season tour, coming off the bench against Kitchee on Wednesday.

Foden often receives praise from his manager but these latest comments about the teenage midfielder are remarkable, to say the least.

Image: PA

Guardiola has managed the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski down the years but considers the England U21 international "the best talent he's ever seen."

"He (Foden) is the most talented player I have ever seen. His problem is sometimes his manager doesn't put him in starting XI." the former Barca boss said in a press conference earlier.

"He deserves all the minutes but with his competitors it isn't easy. He works incredibly. He knows I'm here to help him."

Pep's comments come after Foden said he is "lucky" to be part of a "special team" at his boyhood club.

"I am lucky to be part of it. It is a special team. The success comes from the depth of the squad. Anyone who plays will put a shift in and play well." he said via BBC.

The midfielder admits that he has to pinch himself from time to time.

Foden replaced the magnificent David Silva. Image: PA Images

It's all come so fast for the 2017 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award winner, who still feels a bit starstruck by some of his City teammates.

"I wake up every morning and think my career is just going so fast,' he told The Daily Mail.

"I am still young and trying to act normal but I think I need to start growing up. I go and play with David [Silva] and Kevin [De Bruyne] every day but still feel like a fan if you know what I mean?

"I feel like asking them to sign something for me but I am actually playing with them. I don't mean I don't want to stay normal because I do. But sometimes I get up in the morning and just think, 'Wow'."

Do you think Guardiola should throw Foden into the first team more next season?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester City, Phil Foden, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, England

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_