Phil Foden believes there is now a 'massive' rivalry that exists between Liverpool and Manchester City due to both teams pushing each other to their limits in recent years.
City host the Reds on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, in a fixture likely to define who goes on to win the Premier League title. This is not the first time the two teams have been battling it out for top spot in the closing weeks of the campaign, however, having experienced similar stories in the 2013/14 and 2018/19 seasons.
The gradual demise of Manchester United has meant City versus Liverpool has become a modern-day rivalry, born out of the high standards being demanded by both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
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On the rising tensions witnessed between the two clubs in recent years, Foden told Sky Sports : "I think it has grown recently because we have been very close to winning the league many times, and now it is massive. It is much more important than it used to be.
"They can go on a run of games where they don't lose, we always knew that, but we try to play every game properly and take maximum points. Both teams are going at it, but it's not over in this game. There's going to be many ups and downs, I believe, before the end of the season."
Predicting which will way Sunday's contest will go is no easy task, with only one point separating the sides in the Premier League table. One thing that is for certain, though, is that the Sky Blues will not be underestimating the damage Liverpool are capable of causing at the Etihad.
"They can catch you off guard if we're pressing and they put balls over the top unexpectedly. That is a threat they have and one we will be watching out for," admitted Foden.
On the ability of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 21-year-old added: "I love the way Trent passes the ball. I think he is one of the best passers I have ever seen. I do like watching him play."
