'Guardiola's football exciting fans worldwide'

City currently sit top of the Premier League having won nine of their opening ten league games of the season, scoring 35 goals in the process and speaking to 'BBC Sport', the former Irish international couldn't praise his former side enough.

"The talent on show and even the talent on the bench at times is frightening for most teams," he said.

"The team Guardiola has built now is really exciting to watch.

"He's been there a season and was in a sense feeling his way around the Premier League in his first campaign, strengthening again in the summer.

"It's all good having that talent, but it's getting the best out of the players and how they play, and Guardiola has got the balance absolutely spot on at the minute."

City's performances have drawn comparisons with Guardiola's Barcelona team, which won two Champions League title and three domestic leagues and Given can certainly see the similarities between the teams.

"Pep Guardiola has brought his brand of football to Man City now and people are likening it to the Barcelona of old," Given added.

"That was some team they had then, so if they are likened to that then they are doing something right.

"Even neutral fans must love watching Man City play and how they attack teams, their movement and they can score goals from all over the pitch - they are great to watch at the minute.

"The brand of football they are playing is very special and it excites people - not just the Man City fans, but people all around the world who love the Premier League."

Finally, the Newcastle legend spoke about fellow goalkeeper Ederson, suggesting that the City new boy has been a key addition to the squad this campaign.

"Last year, they were still very good going forward but they were conceding too many goals," he said.

"Ederson has looked very comfortable. Guardiola's goalkeepers playing with their feet is well documented, but he is super confident with the ball, he never panics and his decision-making and his starting position is very positive.

"He has a belief in himself with the ball at his feet. He doesn't panic when people are closing him down, the defenders around him are always making angles and the midfielders are dropping in to try and receive it off him.

"They have got that signing right this year."