‘Like a good wine’ – Guardiola says there is more to come from Man City star | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed ‘extraordinary’ Phil Foden after the midfielder impressed once again against Everton.

Although he did not record a goal or assist, Foden was involved in both of City’s goals as Erling Haaland scored twice to secure a 2-0 win.

“More mature and everything,” Guardiola said about Foden’s display.

“I said it many times, but it was a question of time. So, he cannot play all the time in the sixth gear. No.

“He has to use the tempo. It was a question of time that he improved and realised. And see that not all the time you can make explosive actions.

“You have to walk. You have to make one pass. Two touches. One pass. And in the moment, make the brilliance.

“And step by step he will be better. Phil will be better.

“Will be like a good wine. So, with the time, will be better.”

Guardiola continued: ”He’s fine. He’s enjoying it. He’s smiling.

“His body language during training sessions is fantastic. And after that, when he moves there, he always creates something.

“The first half was more difficult because we didn’t read who was the man free. And we struggled with that.

“But the rest was really, really good. So, Phil, if I don’t have to make a step and play like he is.

“We remember in the past. I would say, except last season, when we were not in our best, Phil, every season has been extraordinary. Always.”

The 25-year-old was seen playing a deeper role than he has in the past. Asked about where he will play moving forward, Guardiola explained: “Listen, I admire a lot the old managers, the old generation.

“They used the common sense much more than now. My generation or the new generation, we rely a lot on the wide angles and the data and this kind of stuff. That was common sense.

“And common sense is he’s a talented player, scores goals, assists. Close to the box.

“So, don’t explain me more theories of that.

“And Phil, for a normal situation, has to play close to the decisive part of the game. Because he has this incredible talent. Small spaces. The goals and assists. And he’s really, really good.”