Man City star Phil Foden explains why he isn't 'world class' following Pep Guardiola praise

After Manchester City's 1-0 win over Bournemouth last week in the Premier League where Foden netted the winner, manager Guardiola hailed the England international as a world-class player and complimented him for his versatility.

Now Phil Foden has explained why he has yet to attain world-class status and claimed that he needs to perform at the highest level consistently. Speaking to reporters, the player said, "I wouldn't say world class yet – I think I've got the potential to be but to hear that from the manager is special for me. I still want to keep improving and try to be an even better player. I have to do it consistently in the biggest games and biggest occasions.

"To do it for a number of years – that's when you get the world-class status. I'm enjoying the season and I'm in good form at the moment, so I want to keep that up. Sometimes it just clicks and happens. Maybe this is my best season, yes. It's the most consistent run of games that I've played. I've been playing in a new position as well – more inside and more midfield and I'm enjoying it."

The 23-year-old is in stellar form in the current campaign having scored 16 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions while playing from midfield and has provided 10 assists. In the absence of key attacking players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in the first half of the season, Foden contributed immensely to keeping his team in the Premier League title race.

The Manchester City academy graduate will be next seen in action on Sunday as the club takes on arch-rivals Manchester United in an important league clash at the Etihad.