Phil Foden got the seal of approval from football’s finest after a stunning Manchester City showing away to Liverpool.
Foden was the star of the show as City ran out 4-1 winners at Anfield to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The 20-year-old scored the fourth and final goal – a fine individual strike – and grabbed two assists, the first saw his shot parried out to Ilkay Gundogan for 1-0 before setting up the German midfielder to make it 2-1.
His performance deservedly saw him crowned man of the match as Pep Guardiola’s men lay down a real marker to the chasing pack.
City are now five points ahead of Manchester United, in second, with a game in hand and are 10 in front of last season’s champions Liverpool – with a game extra to play.
And the football world sat up and took note.
Barcelona and Spain legend Carlos Puyol was clearly impressed – taking to Twitter to call him “a great player” and suggest he will continue his rise to the top.
“Vaya jugadorazo @PhilFoden,” Puyol said, followed by an emoji with an arrow pointing to the top.
After Foden cut in from the right at Anfield and rifled a stunning strike past Alisson in the Liverpool goal, Gary Lineker also got involved in the praise.
“Woah! What a goal from the brilliant @PhilFoden,” he said, followed by two clapping emojis.
Foden has had to be patient for his chance under Guardiola at City, but he is making a real impact this season as they look to regain their Premier League crown.
The midfielder has 12 goals in all competitions this season and a further six assists.
