Phil Foden is the most talented player I have ever seen, says Pep Guardiola

Ahead of Manchester City's clash against J-League outfit Yokohama F-Marinos, City's manager Pep Guardiola praised young midfielder Phil Foden and hailed him as the "most talented player" he has ever seen. 

Since making his debut in 2017, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals so far. He is expected to feature heavily in the upcoming season and might prove to be a vital cog for the team. 

"He is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a football player and manager. He has everything to become one of the best players, not just in England," said Guardiola. 

"His only problem is that sometimes his manager doesn't put him in the starting XI. Hopefully, in the future, he can improve. He deserves all the minutes but he knows what team he plays for and with his competitors, it isn't easy," Guardiola added. 

"He knows I appreciate him. I'm here to help him as much as possible to become what he is and I am pretty sure both of us will get it," he further added. 

Guardiola against praised Foden after City's 3-1 win over Yokohama F-Marinos on Saturday. 

He insisted that Foden needed more time. "Phil (Foden) trained in, I think, two training sessions. So, no more than that, so it was one month off and two training sessions so he needed more time," said City's coach. 

"His position is more central in the middle, but he can play wide because he has the ability of one-against-one, help a lot in that side to close it to defend, so that's why I am so, yeah, I'm satisfied, because I know his level so, his quality, his receptions, the vision that he has, his commitment defensively, so, but it's good," Pep added. 

"In two games, I didn't expect (to) give him minutes and he took these minutes and that is good for, for you know, to take the best condition as possible." 

Manchester City will kick off their Premier League season against West Ham on August 10.