Rodri and Pep Guardiola have gushed over Phil Foden after the midfielder’s performance in Manchester City’s win over Sheffield United.
Foden created goals for Rodri and Julian Alvarez as the Premier League champions won 2-0 at the Etihad to move within two points of leaders Liverpool.
The 23-year-old was in outstanding form in a central role for the Citizens, as he completed 98% of his passes, created six chances and recorded two assists.
Foden’s display followed another superb showing at Everton in midweek and Rodri has hailed the England international as a ‘game changer’.
“We learned from the last games against Crystal Palace, same feeling of the game controlling but at the end they had chances and we drew,” The Spaniard told Sky Sports.
“We had to keep focussing and they [Sheff Utd] didn’t have the intention to come to us so we had to keep the ball. Important for us this victory.”
On his goal, Rodri added: “I saw that pass between the lines and it’s the only way you can punish these types of teams they are so narrow. I thought Phil [Foden] could set to me and then to be honest I didn’t have the intention to shoot but they were dropping so I did it.
“Phil has incredible ability to turn that fast. He has this plasticity with the ball he can turn so quick. We had to be patient but when we can find this pass he is a game changer. He increases the pace he can shoot and pass.”
Guardiola also hailed Foden, praising the Stockport-born star’s ability in ‘small spaces’ and likening the academy graduate to City legend David Silva.
“Phil [Foden] can arrive on the sides and make crosses, which is tough without Erling [Haaland], or he has to move in the small spaces and in the pockets. Like David Silva in the past. Bernardo [Silva] and Oscar [Bobb] too are really good in the small spaces.”
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