De Bruyne: Foden has gone up a level | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne believes Phil Foden’s phenomenal footballing ability has reached new heights this term.

Following the England international’s brace in City’s latest Premier League victory, a 4-0 success at Brighton, our Academy graduate has now scored 24 goals in all competitions this term.

That tally represents his best across a single season during his illustrious senior career for Pep Guardiola’s side with six matches remaining in 2023/24.

What's more, the versatile forward also notched his 50th and 51st top flight goals with his Seagulls double.

Although the 23-year-old's influence on the team isn't lost on De Bruyne, he stressed that Foden's game has improved further this campaign.

“Now, Phil gets trusted to play centrally Even today we didn't play with any wingers, so we both played a little centrally and had to go on the wings sometimes.

“Phil does what he does for six or seven years already and it’s not like he’s just come onto the scene. He’s been doing this for years and helped us win titles. This year he went up a level.”

De Bruyne opened the scoring in our superb success in East Sussex with his first-ever headed goal in the Premier League.

Following an electric burst of pace down the right by Kyle Walker, our defender’s pinpoint cross was nodded into the roof of the net by the classy midfield operator on 17 minutes.

And the Belgium international was delighted to break new ground at the Amex Stadium.

He added: "It doesn’t happen too much does it? Kyle gave a good cross and I think the defender just wanted to head it and I think the only way I could reach it was jumping to the ball.

“It goes in like a little lob so I’ll take it. It’s not something I'm really good at.”