The 23-year-old started both of our wins in Saudi Arabia as we won the FIFA Club World Cup before playing a crucial role in Premier League victories over Everton and Sheffield United.
Foden scored a brilliant equaliser in our 3-1 win at Goodison Park and claimed both assists as we ended the year with a 2-0 victory over the Blades.
The boss says Foden controlled the attack as we patiently found a way through a stubborn Sheffield United defence.
“We can make crosses and crosses but it’s not the style because we don’t have the players for that,” Guardiola said.
“And after players, they move in the pockets to be aggressive and Phil is exceptional with that. Every time Rodri, Mateo [Kovacic] and after Manu [Akanji] contact with him, he controlled the attack, especially in the second half.
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“He moved a little bit our left side, with Oscar [Bobb] and Josko [Gvardiol] we created a lot of damage in that position because they are really good, including Rico [Lewis] when he came in, in the small spaces, they are good when teams are set back like this.
“We need these type of players, like David Silva for example or Ilkay Gundogan for example. They are really, really good in these spaces.
“That’s why I’m really pleased that Phil since after Crystal Palace he learned a lesson and then Urawa, Fluminense, Everton, today, he has been outstanding, all four games he has been top, top, top class - playing good, scoring goals, assists and all the important things we need from him.”
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