'Before he was a little boy, now he's world class' - Pep Guardiola hails Phil Foden after England star fires Man City to win against Bournemouth

City closed to within one point of league leaders Liverpool following a 1-0 win at the Cherries on Saturday. Following Foden's goal, which came after goalkeeper Neto parried Erling Haaland's shot, manager Guardiola remarked on how far the 23-year-old has come over the years.

The Spaniard told reporters: "Forget about the goals, of course they are important. Do you know how he [Foden] played, how he controlled and accelerated? He has already become a top-class football player. Before he was a little boy with good actions and now he is a world-class top player. He's so good. He can play everywhere but especially in central positions he is really, really, really good."

Foden has become a vital player for City in the last few seasons, but his importance in the side has arguably never been greater - particularly with Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne missing multiple games through injury this term. The England international has already matched his best-ever scoring season with 16 goals in all competitions and there is more to come from City's academy product.

City's busy fixture list continues when they travel to Luton Town in round five of the FA Cup on Tuesday, before hosting Manchester United in the Premier League on March 3, and then Copenhagen visit the Etihad in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie three days later.