Home Entertainment ‘WORLD CLASS’ – Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden for his ability to ‘Control and Accelerate’ in Man City’s victory over Bournemouth

‘WORLD CLASS’ – Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden for his ability to ‘Control and Accelerate’ in Man City’s victory over Bournemouth

Entertainment — 02/25/2024

Pep Guardiola has crowned Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden as “world-class” after his side’s 1-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.

As Julian Alvarez was benched for the first time in the Premier League this season, the Englishman was deployed in the number ten role instead of him.

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Phil Foden did not disappoint as his 24th-minute strike ended up being the difference between City and Bournemouth in Saturday’s clash.

After the Sky Blues got the all-important three points, Alan Smith picked the 23-year-old as his Player of The Match and claimed that he is having a “wonderful season.”

World-class Foden no longer little Phil, says Guardiola | Reuters

As Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was told that Phil Foden had scored his 16th goal of the campaign in all competitions this season against Bournemouth, he raved about his display.

“Forget about the goals, of course, it’s really important. Do you know how he played? How he controlled and accelerated? He has become already a top-class football player. Before, he was a little boy, good actions”, Guardiola said [via HaytersTV].

“Now, has become, already Phil [Foden], a world-class, top player. He’s so good, can play anywhere, especially in the central positions, is really, really, really good.”

Pep Guardiola hails 'world class' Phil Foden as Man City edge past Bournemouth | Evening Standard

Pep Guardiola is right to emphasise that aside from the goal, Phil Foden was exceptional against Bournemouth for Manchester City.

As Guardiola also stated, the £225,000-a-week (Sport Rac) attacker picked the perfect moments to be aggressive and when to keep things simple in possession.

Phil Foden’s stunning dribbling and close control meant he darted past Bournemouth’s defenders on several occasions while also helping his side transition up the pitch with a neat first-time pass.

Manchester City star Phil Foden has the 'potential' to be a future Ballon d'Or winner

However, even when Manchester City were in the ascendancy in the first half, Foden controlled the rhythm of the contest to ensure his side did not get dragged into an end-to-end encounter.

Foden created 4 Chances in this match, Unfortunately, Andoni Iraola’s team did not appear to receive the memo as they significantly improved their performance in the second half against the team that won the game.

Nevertheless, Phil Foden was without a doubt the best player on the field as the visitors won at Vitality Stadium in the end.