Pep Guardiola described Phil Foden as “an exceptional player” after the 18-year-old made his first Premier League start in Manchester City’s victory at home to Cardiff.

The City boss believes that the Englishman will become a key player for the club during the next decade, and will play more minutes next season.

Their performance against Cardiff on Wednesday night was one of the most convincing 2-0 wins you’re ever likely to see, as City peppered the Cardiff goal with a total of 27 shots. 

Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane managed to find the back of the net to send their side top of the League with six games remaining.

Foden could have had a couple himself, hitting the post with one effort following a corner and producing an agile save from Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Etheridge with another attempt.

“Even though he is young he is able to do everything,” Guardiola said of his teenage midfielder. 

“In every game creates chances, he fights a lot, he is incredible with his receptions and his vision.

“Today he could have scored one or two goals, he’s an exceptional player.”

Foden stood out among more established stars, bobbing through the midfield leaving Cardiff players in his wake before using the vision Guardiola spoke of to pick out a pass.

He can drift away from opponents before even taking a touch, and boasts good delivery with his left foot as shown when he crossed for Aymeric Laporte whose header forced another good save from Etheridge.

Guardiola believes Foden is now a key member of the squad but also admits that it’s not easy for him to get in the side ahead of De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan. That said, he expects him to play much more next season, which will be good for England as well as City. 

“This season he played a lot of minutes and I assure you next season he will play more minutes than he played this season,” added the Catalan. 

“That is the process. In the next decade he will be an important player for us.”