He must be a serious contender — Man City boss Guardiola on Player of the Year award

Pep Guardiola has declared that Phil Foden is a "serious contender" for the Premier League Player of the Year accolade.

Foden showcased his prowess by netting a hat-trick during City's 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa at the Etihad earlier in the week.

These goals elevated his tally for the season to 21 across all competitions.

Foden has now etched his name alongside the Premier League's elite, boasting three hat-tricks to his name, same as Cristiano Ronaldo, and Didier Drogba.

“I think Foden can be a serious contender for PL Player of the Season.“Many, many players have played really good this season. But I think he can be a contender, for sure; for the numbers, consistency, level of his game,” Guardiola said.

Foden was rested on Saturday afternoon as City defeated Crystal Palace 4-2 at Selhurst Park.