This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov has heaped the praise on Phil Foden following his performance against Atalanta in the Champions League.

What did he say?

Foden was starting a game for only the second time this season after he played 90 minutes against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

Fans were calling for the 19-year-old to start prior to the game, and their prayers were answered by Guardiola as he was named in the starting XI alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.

And the quality of his performance appears to have made a profound impact on City legend Dickov.

The Scot wrote on his Twitter: "Forget about the sending off, @PhilFoden absolutely magnificent tonight and showed everybody why he’s going nowhere on loan & @ManCity is the place to be"

Guardiola has to let him build

Foden, who is already valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, was in fantastic form against Atalanta and proved within his display that he deserves more minutes for the Premier League champions going forward.

The academy graduate scored in the last Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb and matched that goal with an assist and four big chances created against the Italian side in the week. His performance was slightly marred by a late sending off, as he received two yellow cards inside six minutes of each. The first one was slightly harsh, although the second one was a clear foul on Marten de Roon.

Guardiola must, however, look past the sending off and remember his excellent performance, as Foden will need all the minutes he can get if he is going to build and become a regular for City.

There is then the issue City have with David Silva leaving at the end of the season. The Spaniard has enjoyed 10 sensational years at the Etihad and no doubt Guardiola will be already looking for his replacement.

However, the man to fill his boots could be Foden for the years to come, but it is hard to seem him being fit to do so as soon as next season given his lack of minutes of late.

With this in mind, it's vital the former Barcelona coach gives him all the game time in the near future.