Former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov feels Phil Foden has taken his game to a new level this season.

Foden was named City's Player of the Month for December.

“City always have someone who steps up to the plate when someone is injured," said Dickov to City's website.

“Phil has thought 'this is my time'. He's been doing it for season after season.

“When Erling (Haaland) or Kevin (De Bruyne) play, then the spotlight and media attention is on them, so he goes under the radar.

“He has natural ability. He has a trophy every 16 or 17 appearances he's made in his career, which is ridiculous.

“And when teams are defending deep, he's looking for the little pocket of space. He's thriving in that central role and he's producing in that position."

Former City defender Richard Dunne also said: “He flows through the game. You can see his goals and assists now, but he's been playing well since he got in the team.

“He's been given more freedom and he's the main point in the team now.

“He ran the show against Huddersfield, he does it in the league and the Champions League and any game he plays in."