Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is happy seeing Oriol Romeu thrive with Soutnampton.

Guardiola coached Romeu at Barcelona and praised the midfielder before Saturday's 1-1 draw.

"His understanding," the title-favourite's manager said. “I like it when holding midfielders understand the game.

“He knows exactly how his team have to play, he's a team player and an exceptional guy so we are very pleased he is playing at a high level."

Reflecting on his time coaching the Saints vice-captain, Guardiola added: “He was so young, he it was his first steps and at that age you never know what is going to happen.

“But he was at Chelsea and you know he's been at top clubs, and now a long time in Southampton.

“At his age, after what has happened, injuries he has had, to still be doing this – every training session was the most important moment or the most important time so when this happens, this is the reason why he still plays at the top level.

“There is no secrets, the guy can drop a little bit but if he believes that what they have done in the past is enough to still be there, you can sustain your high level for a long, long time.

“This is what Ori has done, so good for him."