Phil Foden pinpoints major addition to personal game following Pep Guardiola recommendation

Manchester City and England star Phil Foden has revealed how recent advice from Pep Guardiola has positively impacted his performance.

The 23-year-old scored his third career hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, as three goals from Phil Foden and an 11th minute strike from Rodri helped Manchester City to a key 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Foden restored the Blues’ lead with a late first-half free-kick, before two emphatic second-half goals smashed Manchester City into an unassailable lead, and saw the Englishman surpass 30 direct goal involvements for the campaign.

The midfielder, who also scored a hat-trick against Brentford in February, has scored 21 goals and registered 10 assists for Manchester City so far this season.

The Englishman is bidding to help Pep Guardiola’s side retain last season’s historic treble, with Manchester City still competing in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Emirates FA Cup.

Manchester City are chasing both Liverpool and Arsenal in pursuit of a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title, meanwhile Guardiola’s side also face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals this month.

Foden has made 44 appearances for City so far this season, and has six goals in his last six appearances.

The 23-year-old has also successfully answered questions regarding his midfield credentials, particularly following a difficult game against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in December, where Guardiola’s side drew 2-2 with the Eagles.

Foden has now revealed that Guardiola recommended notable changes to his game, something the midfielder discussed following Wednesday’s win over Aston Villa.

“This year I’m growing into the game. The manager spoke on showing rhythm and slowing the game down, so I think I’ve added that,” said Foden.

“I see myself as a really technical player in pockets, and out wide I can do that job but I prefer in the middle.”

Manchester City and Foden are back in action at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Crystal Palace for a third Premier League game in just six days, and prior to Tuesday’s huge clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.