Is Phil Foden better off without Kevin De Bruyne? England midfielder is 'thriving' for Man City when Belgian star is absent, says Alan Shearer

Foden scored the game's only goal as City beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Saturday to close to within one point of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Now, Newcastle legend Shearer has spoken about how the England international is growing in stature at the club and he may be playing better without team-mate De Bruyne alongside him.

The ex-England striker said on the Premier League's Matchday Live show: "I think [Foden] enjoys the bigger responsibility he's given when Kevin [De Bruyne] is not playing. I think he feels as if he's got to be that magic like Kevin De Bruyne creates so much for Manchester City and has done for such a long time and when he's out of the team I think Phil thinks it's now his job to do that, to get on the ball like Kevin does, demand the ball where everyone looks to try and find him like they did with Kevin when he was a regular starter. He is thriving in that responsibility, such is his presence in the team now. Everyone believes in him, we know what he can do, Pep [Guardiola] believes in him because he's put him in the team all the time now. He's just a fantastic player."

Despite De Bruyne and Erling Haaland missing multiple games through injury this season, City are still on track to win a second-straight treble - and they owe much of that to Foden. In their absence, the 23-year-old has scored 16 goals, his best-ever scoring season to date, and bagged 10 assists as well. If they do pick up more silverware this term, City will likely owe a debt of gratitude to Foden.

Foden's City will next be in action on Tuesday away to Luton Town in round five of the FA Cup, before hosting rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on March 3; followed by a last 16 Champions League second leg clash against Copenhagen three days later.