Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Leroy Sane wasn't good enough earlier in the season.

Sane was named best afield for their thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“He didn't arrive good," said Guardiola. “He didn't make a good pre-season, he wasn't good in those games, and he didn't deserve to play.

“Sometimes players need a bit more time than the others.

“When he arrived last ­season it was a little bit ­ scary – a new country, no ­apartment, living in a hotel, and he had to get used to the tempo of the Premier League, which isn't easy for anyone.

“But once he got it and started to play regularly and score goals, he was at a high level and he's showing that this season, too."