Rather than focus on himself, the Academy graduate chose to highlight the contributions of his team-mates in an understated post-match interview which was in direct contrast to his Man of the Match display at Anfield.
Foden was majestic on Merseyside, where he was involved in three of City’s goals in a coming-of-age performance and whilst the man himself was keen to focus on the team, Richard Dunne felt it was another game in which the 20-year-old highlighted his vast potential.
“He just seems to get better and better,” said the former City defender.
“I thought he was absolutely outstanding, certainly in the second half.
“He is such a good player to watch. He is so smooth when he moves. He just glides past people.
“For any young player, when you have the ability to take on what experienced players are telling you and learn from them and want to listen, you can go a long way.
“He’s got all the talent in the world and all the opportunity to become whatever he wants to be at this club.”
What Foden wants to be is a City regular for years to come and performances like the one at Anfield are a sure-fire way to guarantee that.
It was from his initial shot that Ilkay Gundogan turned in the rebound to net our opening goal and he then glided past Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson with ease before cutting back for the German to restore our lead.
But he saved his best until last, with touch, pace and power combining to wonderful effect as he unleashed a thunderous drive to complete the scoring.
“A genius situation,” was how Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp described Foden’s 10th goal of the season, whilst Pep Guardiola was equally impressed as he hailed the youngster’s outstanding contribution.
And Foden was outstanding.
He was just two years old when City last won at Anfield, but 18-years later he was the driving force behind a memorable victory.
At 20 years and 255 days he is the youngest player to score and assist in a Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield and Nedum Onuoha believes he has already proved he can deliver when it matters most.
“Phil Foden gets picked for the biggest games and he performs in the biggest games,” said the former Academy graduate.
“He is getting better and better. In the first half, I didn’t think he was brilliant so to then come out and put that performance in the second says a lot about his character and his ability and the trust the manager has in him.
“He knows he can step forward in those moments.”
Foden has enjoyed plenty of moments this season, directly contributing to nine goals in his last 10 starts (6 goals, 3 assists).
Of players to have reached double figures in Europe’s top five leagues, only Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is younger than him.
“It is very enjoyable when you play with great players and they make it easy for you,” he said afterwards, to deflect praise away from his fine form.
His form, however, cannot be ignored.
Foden is flourishing in a City team that’s firing on all cylinders.
