Hat-trick hero Foden relishing central role under Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says he is relishing a more central role under Pep Guardiola after he bagged a hat-trick against Brentford.

The Premier League champions came from behind to sting the Bees and the England international was at his brilliant best in the 3-1 victory in West London.

With Kevin De Bruyne's recent injury handing Foden the opportunity to step into his boots, the 23-year-old has expertly carried his team forward in the Belgian's absence.

He has continued to play in the middle since his colleague's return and admits he feels it is his best position.

Foden said: "I'm really glad with my performances and am playing a lot of minutes inside, where I want to be and I'm delighted with the way I'm playing.

"I'm playing the best form I've had in a City shirt consistently for a long time and long may that continue. I will keep working hard on the training ground.

"I'm a person that adapts and plays a lot of positions when needed. I know I will do that with Manchester City and have to be ready. 

"I'm enjoying playing in the middle and that's where I see myself. Hopefully I can get more game time playing there."

The academy graduate added: "All I set myself is to try and better last year's stats and just try to improve every year, more goals and more assists. 

"I need to keep going and showing this level of performance more often. I don't score a lot of headers so I'm delighted with that one."

Head coach Guardiola was pleased with Foden's contributions at the Gtech Community Stadium and labelled his No47 as "incredible".

Guardiola said: "He always had an eye for a goal. He's got 250 games already and he's had an impact with goals this season. He's incredible. His numbers are really good."

City now sit two points behind league leaders Liverpool but will go top if they win their game in hand at home to Brentford later this month.