Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is in career best form.

Foden struck a hat-trick in Monday's win at Brentford.

“We knew it from the other day. I said a few weeks ago that Phil is having is most influential season in the team in terms of goals and assists," Guardiola declared.

“This season he's been so important to us.

“He reads the game really well. How he plays simple and be more aggressive.

“Always he has the pleasure to score goals and the threat in the six-yard box, always he's there.

“He's a clever runner and how he runs for the team. He's an exceptional player.

“At his age playing 250 appearances for City - that means he's had an influence since he arrived."

Guardiola also told City's website: “He will take over from Kevin and Bernardo in the future - that is going to happen.

“It's a question of process. Every season the experience he gets, he will have to lead for the other ones.

“Still, he is being led but there will be a moment.

“I have to say something that since day one playing on the field, he feels mature and feels 'I don't care, I have enough experience and I don't feel the pressure'.

“A player from the Academy with this level and consistency for many years. I don't know how many trophies all the ones we won, 15 or 16 at that age.

“As much as he is focused on that he will have a successful and long career, but it depends on him.

“How much he wants to be focused on his job and every detail in his life he can do whatever he wants."