Foden’s west London treble – his second City career hat-trick – inspired a fine 3-1 Premier League victory and also took his tally of all-time Club goals to 74, moving him level with Carlos Tevez and into City’s all-time top 10 of scorers.
The Brentford masterclass was also the latest demonstration of the supreme talent, temperament and technique that have marked the Academy graduate out as an extra special player ever since he first broke into the City first team squad.
In the immediate aftermath of the Gtech Stadium victory, City boss Pep Guardiola said that Foden was enjoying the most influential season of his storied Etihad career to date.
And for former City defender Lescott, the Brentford treble only served to further reinforce that the 23-year-old was now also a true match winner, and one of those rare players capable of changing the tightest of games.
“He’s a match winner and I think he’s one of the few players that can decide a game on his own,” declared Lescott who was a special guest on Monday’s latest edition of Matchday Live.
“We see Kevin De Bruyne [can change games] with a pass but there is someone on the end of that pass.
“Whereas with Phil he can go: ‘I’m going to take this game by the scruff of the neck’ and his individual brilliance will allow him to be man-of-the-match.
“And when you think about his age and the stats that he is accumulating now, I believe he can go to become the most decorated English player of all time.
“At 23 [if City become champions again this season] it would be a sixth Premier League title for him.
“And with [potential] FA Cups, Champions League, League Cups, he could be one of the greatest if not the greatest.”
Lescott’s high praise was echoed by Darius Vassell, fellow special guest on Monday night’s latest Matchday Live show.
And for his part, the former City and England striker pointed to Foden’s growing maturity as the clearest signpost yet as to his all-round importance and impact on Guardiola’s side.
“I think the manner with which he takes his goals tells you that he’s matured and given his age he’s only going to go on and do even greater things,” said the former England striker.
“Touch wood he steers clear of injury as that is the only thing that could hold him back but you can see within the City side he has that status now.
“At one stage on Monday, he had a little pop at Rodri for one back pass and for a young player this is important to be able to hold your own.
“He is such an asset to the team, and they all look for him now.”
