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Having bagged his first Premier League assist against Leicester City just last week, Phil Foden is tipped to be a hot prospect in English football.
Born in Stockport, Greater Manchester and having dreamt of playing for City since he was a boy, Foden signed for the club at only 8 years old. Following steady progress and talents recognised by senior Man City staff, Foden was offered an Academy scholarship in July 2016. He has received heavy praise from both the media and the highly decorated club manager Pep Guardiola, who claimed the youngster as a ‘gift’, and referred to Foden’s performance in the City game against Manchester United in pre-season as ‘another level’. Seeing praise from a manager who has worked with some of the world’s best footballing talents is mind-blowing, but it is important that Foden recognises that he has limitless potential and focuses his efforts only on improving his game. Past young talents often see too much of the limelight too fast, and this light can quickly fade if a player fails to improve and remain consistent both on the pitch and through their attitude.
Phil Foden is fortunate enough to already have silverware to his name. His involvement in the U-17s World Cup, where the England #7 scored a brace in a 5-2 win against Spain in the final, and was named as the best player of the tournament, displays the potential that Guardiola seeks to draw from the future star. His consistent performances throughout the cup run contributed massively to how he was perceived by the media, and effectively are what brought about the stir surrounding ‘that boy from Man City’. Following his impressive outings, Phil Foden was awarded BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, beating record-breaking gymnast Ellie Downie as well as a number of his England teammates. His humble approach to the award displayed his attitude towards his career and his future, as he only spoke to thank his team-mates, parents and coaching staff who he claimed are what made him as successful as he is.
The humble approach off-pitch is a great show of character by Foden, though there is a glimmer of greed within the prospects’ style of play that needs to be concentrated in the right ways as he begins to play more in Manchester City’s first team. He is unafraid to shoot – even from a distance – despite passing opportunities being available. I don’t mean to dampen on his hunger for goal, but I think that Foden must work on finding the right space and opportunities to strike. This comes with being a young player, as there is often a desire to score and claim the praises that accompany this; but this is a minor issue that can grow into something beneficial to him if coached properly. (And working with Man City coaches I have no doubt that this will grow to be something I hope to regret typing.)
The midfielder’s main weakness is his physical presence on the pitch. Standing at a lean 5’7, Foden lacks the strength and power that players of his age have. (Notably Liverpool and fellow England U17 player Rhian Brewster who stands at a much more dominating 5’11.) The physicality of the Premier League is second-to-none, and this stands as a huge barrier that Phil Foden must overcome in order to be a success. Phil Foden’s short displays in the Champions League and appearances off the bench in the Premier League have shown that he struggles when challenged shoulder-to-shoulder.
His ability to see a pass and spread the play is very noticeable, and arguably one of Foden’s best attributes. Composure on the ball is very important, especially when playing at the highest level of football – as predatory attackers including the likes of Jamie Vardy often look for players to panic on the ball and apply pressure to encourage mistakes. Throughout the U17s WC, Foden displayed the ability to make concrete decisions on where he wanted the ball, and often forced his teammates into forward runs by playing the ball before they spot the space – showing an intense desire to attack and make progress up the pitch. His excellent vision and creative mind-set is ideal for a playmaker to succeed at the highest level – there is potential for Foden to claim a gap that Kevin De Bruyne will make available in Manchester City’s future; assuming the youngster remains at the club.
It is difficult for a young and developing player like Phil Foden to get enough playtime in the Premier League. The most competitive league in the world is named appropriately, and I believe Man City’s squad is far too established and competitive for youth players to be given enough of a chance. Foden has appeared 4 times for City, but if he were to move – even on loan – to another premier league side such as Tottenham or Everton, I think he would be able to establish himself as a more regular starter and gain that vital experience all players need.
The future for Phil Foden looks to be bright, and I hope he succeeds at Manchester City alongside the other young talents of Gabriel Jesus, Brahim and fellow England star John Stones.