Pep Guardiola has been delighted with the link-up between Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez in the absence of the injured Erling Haaland.

The predatory pair have been an attacking revelation for City, Foden scoring 11 so far this season including four in the last four games and Alvarez hitting 13, with five in the last four matches.

Their quality has delighted Guardiola although he did stress that he wants to see Haaland back as quickly as possible as we fight for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League for a second successive season.

“Really pleased,” the boss said of their impact.

“I think Phil is playing one of the best moments I’ve ever seen since we are together.

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“He loves to play football and he has been decisive in terms of goals, assists, rhythms and everything and Julian since the start of the season as well.

“Both are really, really important because they have a sense of goal to create something. They are really important.

“But of course we miss Erling a lot. Hopefully he can come back and play the last three, four, five months of the season without problems.”

Watch the press conference in the video player above.