Jack Grealish claimed playing with Phil Foden was just like watching Lionel Messi.
Manchester City star Foden provided both assists as Pep Guardiola’s men cruised into the FA Cup quarter finals, his second was a long pass on a plate for Grealish.
England forward Grealish said: “What's funny is that before the game, while we were on the coach on the way to the game, I was sat next to Phil [Foden] and we were scrolling through videos of [Lionel] Messi.
"After scoring he came up to me and said it was just like we were watching.”
City boss Guardiola also paid tribute to Riyad Mahrez who has now scored 19 goals in all competitions - including six goals in his last seven games - and praised his platers for coming through a tough test.
Guardiola said: “He's (Mahrez) playing the best of his career. We know the quality Riyad has and he loves to play football. It's not a profession to him, it's a joy. He would play every single day.
“Riyad always had this quality in the final third. He's the best player in the final third that we have with the sense of goal, the mentality, the aggressiveness. He scored a fantastic goal and I'm so proud for the game he played.
"Apart from the first six minutes of the second half, the rest was really good. We knew how aggressive they are.
"Jack has come back from injury and is at a real good level. It was important. We have an obligation to our fans, who have come a long way to get here.
"Phil is an exceptional player. He can play in three positions up front and in midfield.”
Peterborough boss Grant McCann rued a big opening for Sammie Szmodics before City took the lead. He said: “We had a massive chance to go 1-0 up. On another we do.
"But this was a top class manager and top class team. I said to the boys after the game: ‘That's a benchmark now.’”
