Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden as “extraordinary,” comparing the midfielder’s development to a fine wine that improves with age, following another commanding display in the Premier League champions’ 2–0 victory over Everton.
Despite not registering a goal or assist at the Etihad Stadium, Foden played a pivotal role in both of Erling Haaland’s strikes, demonstrating the intelligence, maturity, and creativity that have increasingly defined his performances this season.
Guardiola, who has long been one of Foden’s biggest admirers, was full of praise for the 25-year-old’s evolution into a more complete player.
“More mature and everything,” the City boss said according to Hayters. “I said it many times, but it was a question of time. So, he cannot play all the time in the sixth gear. No. He has to use the tempo. It was a question of time that he improved and realised. And see that not all the time you can make explosive actions.”
Guardiola explained that the key to Foden’s growth lies in his ability to control the rhythm of games — something he has learned gradually under the Spaniard’s meticulous guidance.
“You have to walk. You have to make one pass. Two touches. One pass. And in the moment, make the brilliance. And step by step he will be better. Phil will be better,” Guardiola continued.
Then came the line that captured his faith in the midfielder’s long-term potential: “Will be like a good wine. So, with the time, will be better.”
Foden’s maturity and influence shine through
It has been a period of subtle transformation for Foden, who has evolved from a dynamic young winger into a more tactically astute playmaker capable of dictating tempo and finding spaces others don’t see. His movement, positioning, and understanding of when to accelerate or slow the play have all been key components of City’s recent dominance.
Guardiola, who has often demanded patience with his young players, noted that Foden’s recent displays reflect both maturity and enjoyment — two elements he believes are central to sustained excellence.
“He’s fine. He’s enjoying it. He’s smiling,” Guardiola said. “His body language during training sessions is fantastic. And after that, when he moves there, he always creates something.”
City’s first half against Everton, according to the manager, wasn’t easy. “The first half was more difficult because we didn’t read who was the man free. And we struggled with that,” he admitted. “But the rest was really, really good. So, Phil, if I don’t have to make a step and play like he is.”
Also, Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden for his consistency which has stood out in a squad brimming with world-class talent. The Spanish coach highlighted that, aside from last season — when City faced a challenging spell before ultimately finding form en route to a Treble — Foden has delivered every year.
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“We remember in the past. I would say, except last season, when we were not in our best, Phil, every season has been extraordinary. Always.”
Guardiola’s vision for Foden’s role
Asked about Foden’s ideal position going forward, Guardiola provided an insightful look into his coaching philosophy and the balance between analytics and instinct.
“Listen, I admire a lot the old managers, the old generation,” he said. “They used the common sense much more than now. My generation or the new generation, we rely a lot on the wide angles and the data and this kind of stuff. That was common sense.”
To Guardiola, the decision is simple. He sees Foden’s greatest impact coming when he plays near the penalty area, where his technical ability and instinct can decide matches.
“And common sense is he’s a talented player, scores goals, assists. Close to the box,” he said. “So, don’t explain me more theories of that.”
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He claimed that Foden’s strength lies in his ability to influence the decisive moments of games — a skill that cannot be reduced to statistics or tactical models.
In recent months, Guardiola has often rotated his midfield, deploying Foden in different zones — sometimes wide on the right, other times central or even deeper — depending on the opposition. The adaptability has not diminished Foden’s output; rather, it has showcased his intelligence and understanding of Guardiola’s tactical nuances.
