During the last international break, young Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden got into hot water to for breaking quarantine procedures by sneaking girls into the England team hotel. He wasn’t alone, though, as his partner in crime was Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood.
The pair were pilloried for their behaviour and sent home from the England camp. In truth, though, the actions were ones of a young man, who is just maturing as a person. The incident may prove to be a good learning curve for Foden.
A decent opening league performance
The midfielder made his first Premier League appearance of the season in Manchester City’s 3-1 win at Wolves on Monday night. He produced a decent display, complete with a goal. The biggest compliment to the youngster is that he doesn’t look out of place amongst City’s star-studded squad.
The fact that he can produce such a well-rounded display against a team of the quality of Wolves is also a major positive for everybody involved with City. There will be games when City will enjoy far easier games when Foden could prove even more impressive.
A great place to learn for a youngster
Phil Foden is seen as a future star of the England national team after his emergence into City team. This is a story we have heard all before with various players including the likes of Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley. The difference with Foden is that he has individuals around him who will lift his level and use as examples.
For the last few seasons, he played and trained alongside one of the most technically gifted midfielders the Premier League has ever seen in David Silva, among others. It must be hard not to learn from a player like the Spaniard. One of his other teammates who he must learn from is the brilliant Belgian Kevin De Bruyne.
It would be hard for a player not learn something from such talented teammates, let alone one of the greatest modern-day head coaches, Pep Guardiola. Iceland mishaps aside, Foden comes across as an intelligent youngster, who is willing to learn. That sort of attitude is always a good sign in a young player.
The people around him could well be the difference if he lives up to his supposed potential or not. If a younger player is good enough to get into the City team, then they certainly must be special.
This is a big season for Phil Foden
The 20-year-old from Stockport started on a more regular basis for Manchester City in the second half of last season. He has slowly been working his way into Guardiola’s first-team plans since he was just 17 years old. There are clear signs that Foden is showing major signs of improvement.
Foden has been vaunted as Silva’s replacement and he has made a good start. The exit of the Spaniard to Real Sociedad will allow the midfielder more playing time. With the European Championship next summer, he will want to impress.
If he keeps starting and performing on a regular basis for Manchester City, then it is hard to see Foden not being a first-choice selection in the England midfield at Euro 2021. This could be a big season for the midfielder, who now looks comfortable in the highly-esteemed company.
Can Phil Foden cement himself in the Manchester City starting line-up this season?
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