Pep Guardiola lauds Phil Foden but points out area for improvement

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Phil Foden, reaffirming his belief that the youngster has everything required to become a top player.

The Spanish tactician has come under criticism for his treatment of the England international at times, with questions regarding the midfielders lack of game time leading to suggestions he should move on from the Etihad.

Phil Foden celebrates against Arsenal / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

However, Foden has remained at City and appears to be reaping the rewards after a solid start to the campaign, and Guardiola has lauded the 20-year-old after a stellar display against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

"He can score a lot of goals," Guardiola said, as reported by the Daily Mail. "He has an incredible shot. He arrives late. The last part... it is something we don't have. We love this guy. He has everything to be really special.

"I want the best for him and if he has the desire to do it, he will get there for sure."

Despite his praise for Foden, Guardiola went on to add that he still has areas of his game which he needs to improve on if he's to fulfil his potential, adding that the youngster has the drive required to reach the top.

"Phil wants to beat the world, he wants to beat the world and he wants to be important," he added. "He has an incredible energy when he has started, but in the final decision, in the final pass, he has to slow down a little bit.

Guardiola knows Foden needs to improve areas of his game / Pool/Getty Images

"He has to understand about changing the rhythm [of attacks], but that comes with experience.

"We will be incredibly patient. It is not easy for a young player to have the rise like his in this club, playing important games, and with the national team.

"The weird thing would be if he was 20 and he didn't have something to improve. It is impossible. It is not a problem."

Despite the impressive 4-1 win over Arsenal in midweek which saw them progress to the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup, City's lack of goals has been something of an issue at times this season.

Foden was on stunning form in midweek / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Guardiola is under no illusions that his side need to be more prolific in front of goal, though he added this isn't an overnight fix.

"Our game has to come back and have to restart in the way we play," he said. "The goals don't come as a present from Santa Claus. They come from the way you have to play."