Pep Guardiola compares Kevin De Bruyne & Phil Foden with Xavi & Andres Iniesta as Man City boss expresses his delight over long-awaited return of 'exceptional' Belgian playmaker

De Bruyne made a strong return to action from the bench against Huddersfield in his first match back almost five months after tearing his hamstring on the opening day of the season. The Belgian laid on the pass from which Jeremy Doku struck City's fifth goal and he dovetailed superbly with Phil Foden, who scored twice and was the standout performer. Guardiola believes the pair can lead City's attack for the rest of the season, and has even compared the duo to his old midfield pairing of Xavi and Andres Iniesta at Barcelona.

Guardiola said: "Always I am a big fan of the talent, why can't talent play together? When I arrived in Barcelona people said Xavi and Iniesta and [Sergio] Busquets could not play together, why not? It is really important to put a lot of talent there in the central positions."

Foden struggled to get into the City team in the latter stages of last season but has made the most of De Bruyne's absence and locked down his role in the team as an attacking central midfielder, the position the Belgian would normally occupy. But Guardiola hailed De Bruyne and believes he can lift City to even greater heights in the second half of the campaign.

"We are incredibly delighted he is back," added Guardiola. "Kevin helps to win games and there are few in the world. Win games, Kevin, Haaland, these guys win games, Phil, Haaland. I am pretty sure Kevin felt how people love him and other people are in love with him. He played really good minutes. He has a special special ability to do something that is not easy to find. With all the runners we have now, to have a guy who can find these passes, Kevin is exceptional, he is unique. The quality of the assist for the Jeremy goal."

Foden's goal against Huddersfield saw him become the only player to score in each of the last six years in the FA Cup, excluding qualifying rounds. It was the homegrown midfielder's 70th goal for City.

City will hope that the return of De Bruyne can boost their chances of chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race. Guardiola's side visit Newcastle next week before taking a two-week break and a warm-weather training camp to Abu Dhabi.