Savinho 'doesn't think too much' - Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne see 'something special' in Man City youngster after stunning display in win against West Ham

Savihno set up two Erling Haaland goals in the 4-1 victory over West Ham, having also scored and assisted against Leicester last weekend. Pep Guardiola particularly noted the mental side of the young Brazilian's recent performances, suggesting he is not weighed down in the crucial moment by overthinking.

The 20-year-old started the season well following his big money move from Troyes, registering three assists in his first five Premier League appearances. But with City's collective struggles came his own downturn in form and the Leicester win ended a run of 11 league outings without a goal or assist.

"I think he's clean in his mind," Guardiola said of Savinho to City club media. "He doesn't think too much in his head. When you are many years here, players think they deserve something special for what they have done. That is a big mistake. You have to prove it again and again.

"Savinho has everything to win and prove. He has a lot to improve, he is not aggressive enough without the ball, but right now he has something special to help the team. His goal [against Leicester] was lucky, but the two assists were brilliant. I am so happy for him, and he deserves to play."

De Bruyne commented: "He had a lot of moments where he did really well. I think he started the season really well, then obviously with us doing a little bit less it was hard on him, for a young player.  Lately it seems like he's found confidence again. Scoring last week can help, and today he had a really good performance."

Savinho's return to form has coincided with a switch from the right flank to the left, where he is currently getting the nod ahead of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku. But he will face stiff competition from both players in the coming weeks, with City in action six more times in the remainder of January alone.