Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is convinced that Phil Foden is ready to feature regularly for the Citizens this season after his impressive Community Shield performance.
Foden started in central midfield for City against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. He assisted Sergio Aguero’s first goal in the 2-0 win with a superb run and pass for the Argentine striker.
Guardiola says the academy product, having trained regularly with the first team last season and made cameo appearances, is now ready for the step up.
He told BT Sport: ‘He was ready last season, now he is one year more mature. He trained for all last year with us, and it is so good to have another player with his talents. He is a Manchester City fan, a Mancunian, and that is why he is so good.’
Foden’s display also impressed the pundits, with Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton saying that the teenager had proved there was no major need for Guardiola to further strengthen his midfield.
Sutton said: ‘What an eye-opener that must have been for Pep for him to see that he can do it at this level.’ Before the game, Rio Ferdinand said Foden could have a ‘great season ahead’ for City – as long as he gets game time.
The former Manchester United defender believes that Foden could grow into the type of midfielder England need if he gets the opportunity, but admits those chances may be limited amid City’s star-studded squad.
Ferdinand said: ‘We cry out for this every year, young, English players to be given a chance at top teams. Phil Foden, there is a great season, hopefully, for him ahead.
‘England, what they lacked was that creativity, a bit of imagination, he has that in abundance, and we want to see him bring that to the Premier League.’
However, when asked before the match if Foden will get enough game time, Ferdinand said: ‘I struggle to see it, you have the likes of Silva to come back, Gundogan is yet to play, all in similar positions. It is difficult to shoehorn him into this team.’
After the match, Ferdinand maintained that Foden may still not get the matches he needs or deserved, despite his strong Wembley showing.
He said: ‘He has confirmed to the manager that he is ready, that he has the ability and intelligence to be in this team, but there is some massive talent still to come into this side.’
Deep inside his own half, the manner in which Foden handled the situation was, arguably, far more impressive than his contribution to City’s opener.
An exemplary first touch, a quick look up before effortlessly side-stepping Ross Barkley to find a team-mate. Not a hint of panic.
In a snapshot, Foden embodied exactly what Southgate – and Pep Guardiola – are looking for: the ability to retain possession under any circumstance.
‘We cry out for this every year, young, English players to be given a chance at top teams. Phil Foden, there is a great season, hopefully, for him ahead,’ former England captain Rio Ferdinand said on Sunday.
‘England, what they lacked was that creativity, a bit of imagination, he has that in abundance, and we want to see him bring that to the Premier League.’ There are, of course, bigger tests to follow for Foden. But as the curtain-raised on another season, it was one of English football’s most promising talents that left us purring with excitement.