Manchester City talisman Phil Foden surpassed Eric Cantona in one area against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday.
After having two relatively quiet games against Real Madrid and Chelsea, Foden must have been determined to put in a noteworthy performance against De Zerbi’s side.
So far this season, City’s number 47 has delivered when it has mattered for his boyhood club but when it comes to top players, the expectation is for them to keep that up.
If Manchester City had dropped points against Brighton, perhaps certain fans and pundits alike would have pointed fingers at the Englishman for a potentially underwhelming display.
However, Phil Foden’s decisiveness was there for the world to witness at the Amex Stadium.
After the game, Kevin De Bruyne praised the 23-year-old for reaching “another level” this campaign.
Foden surpasses Cantona in one area as Man City beat Brighton
Alan Smith justifiably picked the Stockport-born midfielder as his Man of The Match against Brighton as well.
Before his two goals, Phil Foden got the pre-assist for Kevin De Bruyne’s opener as he showcased his quick feet and cracking passing.
Foden’s first goal was lucky, to say the least but as they say, fortune favours the brave.
The versatile attacker’s free-kick struck Pascal Gross, as a massive deflection left Jason Steele in no man’s land as the ball flew into the back of the net.
For the five-time Premier League winner’s second goal of the night, Bernardo Silva’s tireless pressing helped him to regain the ball inside the opposition box, where the former slotted the ball past the Seagulls goalkeeper.
On the night, Foden also achieved something rather impressive.
As Manchester City dispatched Brighton 4-0, Phil Foden managed to reach 84 goals for his boyhood club in all competitions, while Eric Cantona had 82 for Manchester United, according to journalist Will Jeanes.
Phil Foden should be proud of this accomplishment
Considering Eric Cantona was a striker, the fact that Phil Foden overtook his goal tally for Manchester City in his masterclass against Brighton is incredibly impressive.
Cantona predominantly played behind the number nine but even so, it is not like Foden has been deployed as an attacking midfielder for most of his senior career.
Yet, the decorated technician has surpassed a Manchester United and Premier League legend’s goal tally for his club.
Phil Foden also reached 51 goals in the Premier League, as he continues to show that he can find the back of the net at a rate that does not get highlighted enough.