KEY POINTS

  • Man City thrashed Leeds 7-0 in the league on Tuesday
  • De Bruyne scored a brace for Man City
  • City now have 41 points from 17 matches

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Jack Grealish, calling the midfielder "exceptional" after he scored in Manchester City's 7-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Phil Foden opened the scoring at the Eithad Stadium eight minutes after the kick-off before Grealish doubled City's lead five minutes later. Kevin de Bruyne netted City's third goal in the 32nd minute and the scoreline remained so at the half-time break.

Riyad Mahrez made it 4-0 soon after the game resumed in the second half. De Bruyne netted his second in the 62nd minute. City's defenders – John Stones and Nathan Ake, scored the final two goals of the match that saw Leeds get thrashed.

The ongoing 2021-22 campaign has been a tough one for De Bruyne, who missed four matches due to an ankle injury and another four after contracting coronavirus. Heading into the game against Leeds, the Belgian star had scored only two goals in 17 competitive appearances.

"We are solid in behind, we concede few chances. The team is performing very well. The last two or three days in training I said this guy [Kevin de Bruyne] is humble enough to accept he has to work. He's phenomenal. We need him. He's so important for us," Guardiola was quoted by BBC Sport as saying in a post-match interview Tuesday.

Grealish, who moved from Aston Villa to Man City at $132 million in the summer of 2021, is the most expensive English player in the history of European soccer.

"He [Jack Grealish] plays exceptional. I don't judge players for their goals. I want to see how they behave and their decisions. He can play in three or four positions," added Guardiola in the same interview.

£100 million man: Manchester City have broken the Premier League transfer record on Jack Grealish
£100 million man: Manchester City have broken the Premier League transfer record on Jack Grealish AFP / Lindsey Parnaby

The Spanish manager also credited Stones for his contribution.

"They are so honest and humble guys. John Stones plays center-back for the national team but we needed him at full-back. I'm very pleased for him. We are proud of the way we're playing," Guardiola said.

With the latest win, league leaders Manchester City now have 41 points but have played a game more than title rivals Liverpool FC and Chelsea.

RELATED STORIES