PHIL FODEN had Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott praising his stunning effort in Manchester City’s crushing of Brugge in the Champions League.
The England ace pulled the strings for Pep Guardiola’s Prem champs as they ran out 5-1 winners against the Belgian club.
The Etihad giants broke their opponents’ resistance around the 30-minute mark when Foden, 21, neatly teed up Joao Cancelo for the club’s opener.
The forward’s pinpoint delivery led to the full-back sprinting through on goal to open up the floodgates for Guardiola’s men.
Observing from BT Sport’s studio, Crouch said: “We talked about him in those deep areas and I know he’s supposed to be a central striker but when he drops deep it’s an absolute pleasure to watch it really is.
“I’m enjoying watching him, honestly, he really is (having some fun).
“When he drops deep it is just an absolute pleasure to watch.
“Just on the ball, his balance, his weight of pass. He’s popped up in every single position across the front and deep as well and he’s just been an absolute joy.”
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His fellow pundit and City hero Lescott added: “He’s been given the license to roam obviously but his ability to pick up the ball and drive past players, receive it on the back front, he’s always looking forwards.
“He’s always trying to drive and cause problems for the defence. It’s an exceptional half from Phil.”
City, who are bidding to win their first-ever Champions League crown, doubled their lead minutes before half-time through Riyad Mahrez.
I just think he can play anywhere on the pitch, but that role deep playing those sorts of passes he is fantastic
Peter Crouch
And the team, who are set for a Saturday evening Prem clash with Brighton, would add three more goals to their tally.
These came courtesy of a second for Mahrez which followed efforts from Kyle Walker and rising City starlet Cole Palmer.
But it was Foden’s turnout that particularly caught the eye with the player taking control of the attack in the game.
And the result saw his side move to second in Group A behind Paris Saint-Germain following a 2-0 loss to the French giants.
And City will be looking for similar performances from the Three Lions ace with the club hoping to maintain the form that has seen them lose just one of their opening six Prem games this term.
Crouch, who enjoyed spells as a Tottenham and Liverpool striker added: “I just think he can play anywhere on the pitch, but that role deep playing those sorts of passes he is fantastic.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
