Pep Guardiola had high praise for former Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis following City’s narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola Praises Taylor Harwood-Bellis after Manchester City’s Win over Southampton
Despite City’s dominance in possession, Southampton showed resilience, largely thanks to a composed display by Harwood-Bellis at the heart of their defense.
Harwood-Bellis, who moved to Southampton over the summer in a £20 million deal, was a key figure for Russell Martin’s side, making his mark against his former club in his 10th Premier League appearance this season.
The young center-back delivered a standout performance, completing 97% of his passes and making crucial interventions to keep Southampton competitive against the defending champions.
After the match, Guardiola expressed his admiration for the 21-year-old, describing him as a “lovely guy” and a player with tremendous potential.
“He’s settling really well in the Premier League,” Guardiola remarked.
“He’s an incredible threat from set pieces and has that composure on the ball that fits Southampton’s playstyle.”
City’s manager has always appreciated ball-playing defenders, a quality Harwood-Bellis possesses in abundance.
Despite the fierce competition in City’s squad, which ultimately led to his departure, Harwood-Bellis has shown he can compete at this level.
His strong passing accuracy, nine clearances, and even a last-gasp goal-line clearance underscored his potential as a formidable Premier League defender.
For Harwood-Bellis, this return to the Etihad was more than just a game; it was a statement. While he may no longer don the sky blue of Manchester City, Guardiola’s words signal that his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The young defender’s future looks bright, with Guardiola’s praise surely adding fuel to his already promising journey in the top flight.
