Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is confident the connection between Phil Foden and Erling Haaland will continue to improve.

Guardiola says that time and playing games regularly together will make Foden and Haaland a lethal combination.

Against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Foden went close with two angled shots with Haaland well-placed in the middle.

Asked about Foden's two shots rather than crosses, Guardiola said: “Two similar actions - I am sure you remember - when we played in Anfield last season, it was a similar action when Phil shoots and scores, but maybe in that time we did not have a proper striker.

“But now we know - Julian as well - that Erling will always be there.

“Sometimes he will be in a similar position, shoot and score and I want that, but now he will see the replays and know that Erling will always be there - that's his biggest talent.

“It's just a question of time and knowing each other better and see it."

Guardiola was also asked whether Foden could take on the central playmaker role, in a similar style to David Silva.

The boss says he has no doubts he can.

“He can play there, right now, in the middle," he said.

“He played there most of his Academy career.

“But now he is more up front because his sense of goal is incredible, but he can play in the position that Kevin or Gundo play in right now.

“He doesn't need to wait. He is so young and has incredible energy, but Phil is a key player and an important player for us in so many ways."