Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is regarded as one of the most highly-rated young English players of his generation. At 19 years of age, he has found first-team football hard to come by with the champions. In fact, the England under-21 star made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Citizens last season, only three of which were starts.

The youngster’s lack of pitch time is not a big surprise considering the major finance resources available to City boss Pep Guardiola. Then there is also the issue of the quality of players already within the Citizens squad.

Highly-rated by Guardiola

Some people have suggested that Phil Foden would have benefitted from a loan spell elsewhere, so the midfielder could gain valuable playing experience. However, City boss Guardiola is keen to keep Foden and develop the midfielder.

Then there is the homegrown-player factor. The Citizens are short of homegrown players, which they need to fulfil certain regulations in the Premier League and the Champions League. When it comes to homegrown players, Foden is more than just a player to fulfil rules, he is a player who can actually have an impact on games.

Guardiola recently described the youngster as ‘The most talented player he has ever seen in his career’. That is some accolade considering that the Catalan has worked with Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

Will he play more next season?

The fact that Guardiola has showered Foden with praise suggests that the youngster will play more first-team football next season. The competition in the centre of City’s midfield has been increased by the arrival of Spanish Rodri from Atletico Madrid.

However, Rodri is a more defensive-minded midfielder than Foden. He is unlikely to be in competition with the youngster for a starting place. The new season will be David Silva’s last campaign at City, as the midfielder will leave this summer. That means that the 33-year-old may well play less game, which means that Foden may well get more game time this season. If it does, then it will aid his development no doubt.

He is undoubtedly talented and is still only young at 19-years-old. The youngster has plenty of time to make a big impact at his hometown club. If he fails to shine at City, then there is likely to be other clubs willing to offer the youngster a chance to impress.

City will play plenty of games next season

Manchester City will play plenty of games next season. The Citizens are the favourites to win the Premier League title and also the Champions League. Maybe Guardiola will attempt to faze the youngster into his starting line-up. Next season could be a big one for one of English footballs brightest young starlets. Hopefully, for the sake of the national side and the player, he can play more regular first-team football with the Citizens.

There is no shame in not getting into the starting line-up of the current City squad. Just the fact that he has broken into the squad shows just how good a player the youngster really is. Only time will tell us just how good a player Foden can become, but all the signs are there that he will be a top player in the future.

Will Phil Foden see more game time next season?