Pep Guardiola has praised Phil Foden while offering constructive criticism. Foden, who has scored 24 goals in all competitions and is seen as a top contender for Footballer of the Year, has received feedback from Guardiola, who believes Foden can still improve.

Guardiola wants Foden to vary his playing speed, suggesting that constantly playing at full speed can lead to imprecise actions and frequent loss of possession. Guardiola believes that Foden will benefit from learning how to mix up his playing speed and be more aggressive at certain times.

Guardiola also mentioned that Foden’s impending fatherhood might help him develop a more balanced approach to his game. He emphasized that Foden’s work rate and contributions to the team have been outstanding, and that he is a strong candidate for individual awards.

When asked about Foden as a potential player of the year, Guardiola indicated that Foden’s focus may be on winning the Premier League, but acknowledged Foden’s candidacy for the award. Guardiola expressed surprise at Manchester City’s strong title challenge this season, particularly after their successful previous season.

He noted that the competition in the league has made the title race exciting and that it is a dream to be in contention.