Foden: De Bruyne is the Premier League’s top player

Following their goals in the 4-0 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion, Phil Foden praised Kevin De Bruyne, his teammate at Manchester City, as the finest player in the Premier League.

In the match on Thursday at Amex Stadium, De Bruyne scored the first goal before Foden took control with a pair of his own strikes just before halftime.

In a one-sided match, Julian Alvarez completed the scoring soon after the hour mark, bringing Erling Haaland-less City to within one point of leaders Arsenal with one game remaining.

With only 13 league games for City this season, Belgium international De Bruyne already has four goals and six assists.

“I think he is the best player in the Premier League when he is at it,” Foden remarked in an interview with Sky Sports News after the victory against Brighton.

Replays revealed that Foden stumbled rather than being fouled, but his first goal came from a deflected free-kick that he earned himself.

The England international, who had Brighton in control at the back, increased his own goal total with a cool finish.

Regarding having a more central role, Foden said, “I’ve always stated that’s where I see myself.” I moved indoors this year, and it has been a huge assistance.

“In the midst, I like it. That’s my desired location. I’m simply having fun and playing football freely right now.”

Before that, De Bruyne had opened the score with a spectacular header, his first in the Premier League, as City went 30 games without a loss in regular time in all competitions.

Alvarez then completed the scoring in a match that saw the defending champions cut the goal differential to eight and draw level with Arsenal.

“The game was excellent,” De Bruyne said. “We performed well in the first half, and there is always a lot of pressure to win. All we can do is win the game in front of us by preparing like we did today.

“All we want to do is keep winning and go for the championship. We don’t overestimate ourselves. The next game is rapidly approaching now. Once you’ve healed, we’ll go again.”

In his 390th Premier League game, Kyle Walker helped the goals for De Bruyne and Alvarez, marking the first time the defender has contributed two goals in one match.

“That doesn’t happen too much,” De Bruyne said after scoring a rare headed goal. I believe that leaping to it is the only way I could reach Kyle’s excellent cross. Though I’m not very good at it, I’ll accept it.”

With an unsettling four straight Premier League victories under their belt, City will take on struggling Nottingham Forest this coming weekend knowing that a win in their last five games would guarantee a historic fourth consecutive championship.

“I have faith in my group. De Bruyne said, “All due respect to Liverpool and Arsenal—they are incredible.” Arsenal is carrying out their necessary tasks, and we must as well. Work hard and have enough humility to never give up.”