'I have the feeling' - Pep Guardiola delivers clear Phil Foden judgement

Pep Guardiola is pleased with Phil Foden's return to form as the Manchester City star continued to build momentum.

Foden won the biggest three individual prizes last season for leading the Blues to a fourth consecutive Premier League title, but has struggled to get going this, with a start that hasn't been helped by illness. Making just his second start of the campaign, Foden wasn't perfect against Slovan Bratislava but picked up a goal and an assist to help them to a 4-0 Champions League win.

The 24-year-old admitted after the game that he is not quite at his best and Guardiola concurs, noting the number of chances this season that have not ended up in the net when they would have done last year. However, there have been positive aspects to Foden's forward play in the last few matches and City's manager is happy that the player is starting to pass the ball towards the goal again.

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"He made a fantastic goal. He had chances against Inter and Newcastle that normally was always a goal last season," said Guardiola. "He has started to not shoot but pass the ball to the post.

"You don't have to shoot, you can just make a simple pass to the sides and Phil can do it. The second goal was perfect for that and the others were so strong but didn't go to the goal.

"I have the feeling he is getting better step by step and of course Phil is really important for us. We need him a lot and step by step he is getting his best."