Man City coach Guardiola labels Akinfenwa 'one of the legends of English football'

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has labelled Nigeria-eligible striker Adebayo Akinfenwa 'one of the legends of English football' following his side's 6-1 rout of Wycombe Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

It was always going to be a tough test for the Chairboys but they had a dream start as they took the lead through Brandon Hanlan in the 22nd minute.

A brace from Riyad Mahrez and additional tallies from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Ferran Torres and Cole Parmer gave the Citizens a comfortable win against the League One club.

Akinfenwa was in action for 64 minutes and although he didn't get on the scoresheet, the Beast showed his experience by putting the City defenders under pressure with his physicality.

Manchester City winger Samuel Edozie was not selected for the visit of the Chairboys as he was on U21 duties, skippering them against Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy.

Speaking post-match, Guardiola said, according to Manchester City's official website : "McAtee didn’t play and Edozie because it was good for Kevin, Phil and Raz to get the rhythm otherwise they would have played. I know them.

"They make a training session and listen. They know what to do. Enzo Maresca did an incredible job last season and made them better players.

"They faced one of the legends of English football (Adebayo Akinfenwa). It was a pleasure to meet him. It is not easy to do. All three, with Romeo, they did really well. "

The 39-year-old Akinfenwa has scored 188 goals in the Football League for six different clubs namely Wycombe Wanderers, AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town, Gillingham FC, Swansea City and Torquay United.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel