PHIL: BACKS TAKING CITY FORWARD..

PHIL FODEN points to the rock-solid partnership between John Stones and Ruben Dias as the key to Manchester City getting their season back on track.

The young England forward’s goal against Brighton – his eighth for City this season in all competitions – was decisive for the Blues to maintain their quest to regain the title under Pep Guardiola (above, with Foden).

But deflecting the praise, the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ insisted it is the twin central defenders who have provided the platform for attackers to take City on a charge following a dodgy start.

Foden, 20, said: “I feel like we are in our best form and we are conceding fewer goals.

“John Stones and Ruben Dias have been massive for us, defending anything. They are leaders and they help us a lot. We are just trying not to get ahead of ourselves and thinking about the next opponent and the next game, though. “Hopefully, we can keep it going.” Dias and Stones (both above) have kept eight clean sheets in nine matches since being paired together by Guardiola in November.

But Dias, 23, maintains the whole side deserve credit for the record.

The Portugal star said: “We don’t defend just the two of us – it is my relationship with John and also the rest of the team.

“Obviously we are happy because if you don’t concede we are so much closer to be able to win.”

Dias also had praise for Foden, who scored a memorable goal in City’s 3-1 win at Chelsea this month.

He said: “Sometimes Phil wasn’t in the starting XI and it just proves how important every single player is.

“Whenever he plays he just tries to give his best and, for us, that shows the kind of person and player he is as well. His goal to beat Brighton was so important – and it was a big win.”