05 March 2024 , 06:00
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Phil Foden admitted he is relishing living up to the “sniper” nickname given to him by his Manchester City team-mates.
City skipper Kyle Walker revealed Foden's nickname after the England star scored twice to help seal a 3-1 derby win over Manchester United on Sunday. Foden has now made the nickname into his goal celebration, which the 23-year-old has been performing a lot this season, with 18 to his name.
“It’s basically a joke from the lads,” said Foden. “They say that I shoot a lot in training and they call me the sniper. It’s my celebration now - I like to do it. I’ve been practicing in training a lot of different finishes and that’s one – coming inside and shooting. I’m delighted today it paid off.
“I thought we were rushing it a bit after they scored and trying to win the game straight away. We had plenty of time and the manager touched on that at half time – relax, play our own football and hopefully the goals will come.
“We did in the second-half and I’m happy to help the team with the two goals I scored.”
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Asked which of his derby goals from Sunday was his favourite, Foden said: “The first one, for sure. It’s a nice finish – I came in onto my left and struck the ball really well.”
Given his formidable current form for City, it seems inconceivable to recall Foden spent a big chunk of last season on the bench. He started last season's Champions League final and FA Cup final on the bench, while he was also among City's substitutes for a title clash at Arsenal, with Jack Grealish keeping him out of the team.
But this season has seen a role reversal between Foden and Grealish, the latter losing his place through poor form and injury, the former taking his game to the next level and stepping up for City.
Phil Foden was outstanding during the win over Man Utd (Nigel Keene/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)As well as his goals, Foden has 10 assists this season and has started City's last 16 Premier League games, his longest consecutive run since making his debut. Of Foden's 48 appearances last season, only 29 were starts, while this term he has started 35 of the 40 games he has played for City.
He has emerged as one of City's most influential players this season, keeping them on track with goals and assists during the enforced injury absences of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
“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.”
Asked if he agreed with Guardiola that Foden is the Premier League's best player on current form, Dias said: “I must agree he’s one of them, for sure.
Foden's new celebration started as a joke from Man City team-mates (PA)“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.
“Not just Phil - everyone in our team has their special talent and that’s why we’re as good as we are. Every new year it's a new challenge and every new year we must overcome what we’ve done before. 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.”
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