Phil Foden has joined an exclusive club after scoring a superb hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-1 home victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The Englishman netted his first from a free kick on the stroke of half time to put the Citizens back in front after Jhon Duran had previously cancelled out a 10th-minute opener from Rodri.
Foden, stepping up in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland who were both unused substitutes, then scored twice within the space of seven second-half minutes to complete his hat-trick, increasing his goal tally for the season to 21 across all competitions.
Having also registered 10 assists in his 44 appearances, Foden is the only English player to be involved in over 30 goals this season without taking a single penalty.
Foden is also the fifth player to reach at least 20 goals and register at least 10 assists across all tournaments while playing for a club in Europe's top-five leagues this season – four of those five are English including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins.
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Foden in esteemed Premier League company
At the age of 23, Foden has now scored three Premier League hat-tricks, becoming just the fifth player after Robbie Fowler (seven), Michael Owen (seven), Kane (six), and Haaland (five) to net at least three trebles in the division before the age of 24.
Reacting to his man-of-the-match display against Villa, Foden told TNT Sports: "I'm just loving my football at the moment, playing with a smile on my face and trying to help the team. I know I am capable of scoring goals, and today I showed that so I am delighted.
"I always set myself [the aim] to do better than last season, get more goal contributions. I think I am up this year so I'm doing well."
On playing in a central position where he has thrived this season, Foden added: "I see myself as a really technical player in the pockets. Out wide I think I can do that job but I prefer to do it in the middle. This year I am growing into the game.
"The manager spoke on showing rhythm and slowing the game down so I think I have added that to my game too. Before I was going so quickly, attacking every action. But now I am getting the balance just right.
"I always try to arrive in the box, that is where the goals are. You get at least five a season arriving in the box late. I've been working on all aspects of my game in midfield, but like I said still a lot to improve on and I'm still growing in that position."
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Guardiola talks up Foden's potential
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Foden's mentality, telling reporters: "His work ethic is amazing. He plays in central positions and has an incredible sense of goal - he has goals in his veins and we have to use him.
"What can I say when he scored three goals? I think he did not start the game well, but the goal helped him a lot with the mood. Everyone has their own talents and Phil has assists and goals in that position."
Asked about his potential, Guardiola added: "He can do whatever he wants. I think he is a really top-class player. We know it.
"He has to be focused, sometimes he is a bit distracted. But he has a natural talent a gift, a gift that is special. And, now, an incredible sense of goal. You have the feeling he is going to score. It is not easy to find it. That is why he is so special."
Rodri has also talked up City's "special" No.47, telling TNT Sports: "With this player he grows every single year. He can score whatever he wants, arriving in the box, he has a special quality, three today and so happy for him."
City's victory over Villa has seen them move level on points with second-placed Liverpool, who face Sheffield United on Thursday, while Arsenal sit one point clear at the summit after beating Luton Town 2-0 on home soil.
Foden will be looking to increase his goal tally when Man City travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in their next Premier League game on Saturday lunchtime.
Oliver Thomas
