Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hails John Stones and Kevin de Bruyne after hammering Feyenoord

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Pep Guardiola praised John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win at Feyenoord.

Defender Stones headed two goals, including the opener in the second minute, while playmaker De Bruyne delivered another passing masterclass in an outstanding team performance at De Kuip.

Strike pair Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus were also on target as City ran the Dutch champions ragged.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola encourages his players in the 4-0 win at Feyenoord

John Stones scored twice as City strolled to victory in Rotterdam on Wednesday night

Manager Guardiola said of Stones: 'There is no doubt about his quality. His two goals were so important.

'John knows what is the gap and where he has to improve, defending the duels, but he's so young and he is able to achieve.

'When he does, he will become an exceptional central defender.'

De Bruyne, who also impressed in last week's 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool, was the leading light of a brilliant midfield.

Playmaker Kevin de Bruyne continued his mesmeric form by supplying two more assists

Guardiola admits a lot of work still needs to be done but knows the importance of a first win

Guardiola said: 'Kevin is one of the best players I've ever seen in my life in terms of he can make absolutely everything.

'He's a top, top quality player. We are so proud and so happy he's with us.'

City are now already in a strong position in Group F ahead of back-to-back home games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Napoli.

Asked if it was the perfect start, Guardiola said: 'Of course. I said yesterday it's important to play good.

'I'm proud that we have scored nine goals in two games when we've had a lot of problems in that (area). Of course to score two early goals was so important.

'Three points are very important to start the group stage. Last season we were not able to win one game away. That's why if you want to make a step forward you have to do this.'

Guardiola hopes his side can build on the heavy win by beating Shakhtar Donetsk at home

The City players celebrate after recording their biggest away win in the Champions League

Stones also paid tribute to De Bruyne, whose contributions included a perfect cross for the England international's second goal.

Stones told BT Sport: 'I don't get on the scoresheet too much but I'm trying to bring more goals to my game.

'I'm just happy that I could help tonight. When the delivery's so good... Kevin kind of puts it on a plate for you.

'I keep learning off the players like Kevin. Even though we don't play in the same position we're always training together and it's only going to make us better players.'