Man City manager Pep Guardiola salutes special talent Joao Cancelo.

Guardiola lauds defender Joao Cancelo's 'exceptional' display against Premier League champions Liverpool.

Joao Cancelo vies for the ball with Mo Salah. [Getty]

City boss Guardiola reserved praise for Cancelo's all-round influence over the weekend.

Pep Guardiola had nothing but praise for the 'exceptional' display Joao Cancelo put in Manchester City's 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The Portuguese defender was in fine form against Jurgen Klopp's Reds at the Etihad and won the man-of-the-match award as he continued his brilliant form of late.

"He played exceptionally, with the ball and without the ball. He is a special talent," Guardiola said as Mancity.com reported.

"Defensively sometimes he needs to be consistent but when he is consistent, his focus is fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy and a football player."

Guardiola also said that the 1-1 draw with the Merseyside club was a fair result as both sides had chances to seal a victory.

“It was a tough game,” Guardiola reflected. “They started really well and made runs in behind.

“It’s not easy because they were so fast up front today with four players.

“After the penalty, we played much better and equalised. It was a tight game. Not many chances for both sides.

“Of course, every team wants three points. One point is one point. We have played 12 games and lost once this season.

“Maybe I am happier than ever. We conceded a penalty again, hopefully we learn.

“But I am very happy. Now, hopefully they can enjoy the international team and come back safe, no injuries.

“Unfortunately, we have drawn a bit too much. But a draw is a fair result.”

On Gabriel Jesus, who scored his third goal of the season to cancel out Mohamed Salah's opener from the penalty spot, the former Barcelona boss said: “He was really good.

“I didn't expect he could sustain 90 minutes, but he did. He helped us. He made a fantastic goal - a good goal. It was a good result for him.”

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