Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as ‘one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years’.

“Congratulations for this incredible achievement in the Europa League,” Guardiola said.

“I think Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.

“There is no team playing the way they play – unique. I had the feeling he would have an impact and it would be great – but I didn’t expect them to do it in this short space of time.

“Twenty or 25 chances, they monopolise the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time, a keeper like a holding midfielder, if you don’t play at a high level he can do whatever he wants against you.

“They deserve the success, and are a team I try to learn from. (They are like a) Michelin star restaurant, unique.

“In Catalonia the best cook changed the cuisine, and Brighton are playing with something special and it’s an incredible challenge.”

Asked what Brighton do that makes them so special, Guardiola said: “(The) time to take decisions. Brighton are the masters of when to pass to the free men – they are the best at that in the world.

“The right tempo and the free men. How aggressive they are with the ball is the same as (it was under previous manager Graham) Potter, and the way they do the process and use the keeper, when to pass the ball, they are the best.”