04 March 2024 , 12:00
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Ruben Dias has hailed Phil Foden as a “special player” after the Manchester City star's derby-winning demolition job.
Foden inspired City's second-half comeback against United, scoring twice as Pep Guardiola's side ran out 3-1 winners to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
City captain Kyle Walker revealed after the win that Foden's team-mates have nicknamed the England star “sniper” because of his love of shooting and ability to hit the target.
Guardiola hailed Foden as the best player in the Premier League on current form and Dias echoed that high praise of the 23-year-old attacker, who now has 18 goals this season.
“He’s a special player and he’s obviously got a special ability,” said Dias. “That’s why he’s Phil Foden and that’s why we all recognise the kind of player he is.
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“I must agree he’s for sure one of them [best players in the Premier League].
“He’s always been special, he keeps on being special. It's no surprise for me and for all of us in the team and in the world of football. I’m very happy for him and let’s allow him to continue.”
Asked what it was like to face Foden in training, given the Stockport-born star's formidable current form, Dias said: “Now we don’t really train that much, with the games piling up.
Phil Foden scores the first of his two goals in Man City's 3-1 derby win on Sunday at the Etihad (Getty Images)“Obviously Phil - and not just Phil - everyone in our team has their special talent and that’s why we’re as good as we are."
City's victory over United was the fifth time in their last 12 Premier League games they have been trailing at half time and won, proof of their character and desire to win a fourth straight title.
“It was definitely important,” said Dias. “Another game, another three points, obviously a special one for us but, more than anything else, the three points and we move forward.
“Every new year it's a new challenge and every new year we must overcome what we’ve done before.
Ruben Dias has played a key role in Manchester City's season (Offside via Getty Images)"Even though what’s done is done and it’s beautiful, we know if we want to do it again we’ve got to go strong and deep again.
“We're the same people. We're the same players, being Treble winners or not - that’s why we became Treble winners last season. That’s why we want to win again.
“Now it's the Champions League, so focus on the next one, that’s the most important, then we’ll focus on next weekend [against Liverpool].”
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