Across his glittering career as both a player and a manager, Pep Guardiola has worked alongside some of the greatest players to ever step foot on the pitch.
Guardiola shared a pitch with the likes of Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo, before coaching names such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
As a result, when Pep singles a player out for praise, it's a strong endorsement. This is especially true when it involves a member of the opposition.
Guardiola "Realised How Good" Talented Player Was
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
After his Manchester City side beat Southampton 2-1 in November 2017, Guardiola was such a big admirer of one Saints player that he made sure to compliment him after the final whistle.
Pep remembered Southampton winger Nathan Redmond from when the two sides met the year prior. The Birmingham-born speedster had previously tormented City, scoring in the 1-1 draw between the teams at the Etihad in October 2016.
A little over 12 months later, Pep cut an animated figure as he had a passionate discussion with Redmond on the touchline. Their interaction was so eye-catching that Guardiola was asked to explain what he had said to the player.
"I told Redmond how good a player he is. Last season he destroyed us here. I didn’t know him last season, I realised how good he is."
Player Who 'Destroyed' Man City Never Lived Up to Guardiola's Lofty Praise
Pep GuardiolaMixCollage-16-May-2026-10-58-AM-725
Pep Guardiola
Redmond was a regular for England in age-group football and was honoured as England's Under-21 Player of the Year in 2016. However, he never made the permanent leap to the senior side.
He made his England debut just months after he first impressed Guardiola. He came on for Adam Lallana as a 66th minute substitute. He was named in the squad to face Lithuaina four days later, but never made it on to the pitch for his country again.
With the Three Lions blessed with attacking options out wide at the time, Redmond was in direct competition with the likes of a prime Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Lallana and others.
Although Pep was a fan, then-England boss Gareth Southgate wasn't quite as taken with the Southampton man. Redmond's prospects weren't helped by the fact that the Southampton side he was a part of got progressively worse as time went on.
He would remain on the south coast until September 2022, when he moved to Besiktas in Turkey. He would return to England within 12 months, joining Burnley on a two-year deal.
His international dreams were already dashed by the time he left Turf Moor in May 2025 when his contract expired. Redmond would then join beleaguered Sheffield Wednesday for a three-game stint.
Now 32, he most recently played for Blackburn Rovers, making two appearances at Ewood Park. He will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of next month.