Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany rates Raheem Sterling as "one of the best wingers in the world" after the England international's hat-trick against Watford on Saturday.
Sterling scored all three goals in a 13-minute spree as the victory at the Etihad kept the defending champions top of the Premier League table.
There was an offside debate over Sterling's first goal and his second was a tap-in but his third highlighted his skill as he weaved into the area, cut back and fired past Ben Foster.
"It's incredible because his first year at City was tough, and then from the moment Pep [Guardiola] came in he just kicked on and went from strength to strength," said Kompany.
"For me, he is one of the best wingers in the world. He's so important for us. To have the ability to unlock defences when they defend with so many bodies is the sign of a top, top, top player."
Sterling's strikes shifted what had been a frustrating game decisively in City's favour. As in their two previous games, the score was 0-0 at half-time and City, despite dominating possession, needed to work hard for openings.
"These kind of games are much trickier than what people can see from the outside," said Kompany, who has featured in City's past five games. "It's mentally demanding because it puts you to sleep that you have so much possession and are bouncing against the same wall."
City manager Guardiola was more measured in his praise for 24-year-old Sterling, who has now scored 20 goals for club and country this season.
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Premier League team of the week:
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Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (Arsenal) – Made some important saves as Arsenal became the first Premier League team to beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United. Getty -
Right-back: Yan Valery (Southampton) – Had never scored a senior goal before scoring in successive weeks against Manchester United and Tottenham. Having a real impact. Getty -
Centre-back: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff) – Helped compensate for the absence of the injured Sol Bamba as the Cardiff defence snuffed out West Ham to increase their survival hopes. Reuters -
Centre-back: Chris Mepham (Bournemouth) – The January signing, pictured left, came in for particular praise from manager Eddie Howe after Bournemouth’s first clean sheet on the road since October. Reuters -
Left-back: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton) – Helped Southampton turn the game around in the second half against Tottenham to earn a vital win in their relegation battle. Reuters -
Right midfield: Anthony Knockaert (Brighton) – The winger might have been sent off in the first minute against Crystal Palace but went on to score a spectacular winner. Action Images via Reuters -
Centre midfield: Adam Lallana (Liverpool) – A surprise selection, he justified his place by playing a part in Liverpool’s first two goals against Burnley. Got a standing ovation. Getty -
Centre midfield: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) – Fooled David de Gea with his opening goal against Manchester United. Also got the better of United in the centre of the pitch. Reuters -
Left midfield: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – His first goal was controversial but his impact was undeniable as Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick against Watford. Getty -
Striker: Ayoze Perez (Newcastle) – The normally measured Rafa Benitez mentioned Perez in the same sentence as Lionel Messi after his brace in the comeback win over Everton. Getty -
Striker: Jamie Vardy (Leicester) – Brought up a century of goals for Leicester with a late brace to defeat Fulham and earn new manager Brendan Rodgers his first win. Getty
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"He scored three goals, we're delighted, but he can do better," said Guardiola. "The first half was not the best performance from him, but it's good when not playing at the top level to be consistent and score the three goals."
Guardiola hailed Ilkay Gundogan as an "incredible player in all senses" but again expressed concern over the German's contract situation.
The 28-year-old midfielder has not been an automatic starter under Guardiola and has just one season remaining on his present deal.
Guardiola said: "I would prefer him to stay but at the same time I want to feel he wants to stay too. If he doesn't want to stay, he has to leave."
