Pep Guardiola is mistaken about Phil Foden. He’s not Man City’s finest player, let alone the Premier League’s

According to Manchester Evening News, Phil Foden expressed his aim to be the finest Premier League player back in September. Fast forward six months, and his management has verified this. After Foden’s latest masterpiece earned Manchester City another three points in the derby against Manchester United, Pep Guardiola said: “What can I say? He is now the top player in the Premier League due to the number of things he accomplishes. Unbelievable.”

Foden has a personal record 18 goals and ten assists in 40 appearances this season, and he has progressively seized control of tight situations, converting potentially difficult games into comfortable wins for City. He’s also stepping up in big games when it counts, whether it’s another Manchester derby, a Champions League elimination match, or the Club World Cup final.

“He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively,” manager Pep Guardiola remarked. “He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left.”

He is definitely playing the finest football of his career, and it’s difficult to disagree with Guardiola’s frequent praise for the attacker. But, at the same time, how can he be the best player in the league if he isn’t even the best or most essential player in the City locker room? First, some disclaimers. Foden is in excellent form, and few players have had stronger seasons. Cole Palmer, Mo Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Ollie Watkins have all had significant moments for their respective clubs, but Foden is definitely ahead of them in terms of talent.

Also, everything Guardiola says is accurate. His defensive performance has developed dramatically in a short period of time, and he has exploited his time as number ten to develop into a skilled winger who can invert inside from wide areas to influence play in the middle. Against United, he scored from both sides and was equally impressive tracking back as he was playing forward.

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He’s certainly City’s Player of the Season thus far in terms of game-changing contributions, ahead of goal machine Erling Haaland, the dependable Bernardo Silva, and capable deputy Julian Alvarez. He’s also become the second favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year title at the conclusion of the season, backing up Guardiola’s comments. The frontrunner, however, is Rodri, a City teammate. And the bettors have a point, since Rodri is just more essential and maybe more consistent than Foden.

Rodri beat Ricardo Carvalho’s record from Jose Mourinho’s unstoppable Chelsea team by making his 59th consecutive appearance for City without losing. His two assists against United were his eighth and ninth of the season, adding to seven crucial goals.

If Foden has significant, game-changing contributions to back up his claim, so does Rodri. He assisted in sending the UEFA Super Cup to penalties, scored the late winner against Sheffield United, scored in the 4-4 draw at Chelsea, and scored in the 1-1 draw at home against Mauricio Pochettino’s team. He contributed two assists in 3-1 victories against United and Young Boys, as well as one in a 3-2 win over Newcastle.