Assist for Aguero shows midfield maestro Foden is fast learner
AROUND the City Football Academy, they say Phil Foden absorbs instructions like few others. That, among myriad qualities, gives him an advantage in his quest to become one of this country’s finest players. ‘When you tell Phil something, it sticks,’ said one club source. In this case, there is no need to take their word — the evidence arrived early in his first major cup final. Four minutes elapsed between Pep Guardiola telling him to stay wide, not drift infield, and City’s opening goal. Foden heeded the order, ghosting on the right, waiting patiently for Rodri’s clip. His header back to Sergio Aguero resulted in the striker prodding City 1-0 ahead. The cushioned service to Aguero was intelligent beyond Foden’s tender years. Many others would have played the percentages across goal. But then again, he is not like many others. It is why Guardiola is given such a hard time over Foden’s lack of starting opportunities. The 19-year-old would walk into the majority of Premier League teams and a fair number, including some in the top eight, have tried their luck asking for him on loan. City have never countenanced that idea, although you probably could not blame Foden if his eyes darted elsewhere in January. Naturally, his trust in Guardiola’s plan has been tested over the last six months as City cried out for energy in key matches. Of course, the poignancy of taking the No 47 shirt in tribute to his late grandfather, City fan Ronnie, diminishes if nobody ever sees him wear it. ‘He is always ready,’ said Guardiola. ‘Phil’s so fast and clever in tight spaces. He was under pressure in this game but it is a winning experience for his mind. He belongs here, no problem.’ It was Foden’s seventh start since November and he must hope his display brings more, certainly as
David Silva’s time draws to a close. Silva has not looked the same player this season and Foden gave City energy at Wembley, often holding off more than one Villa challenge when slaloming forward — his low centre of gravity a menace for jockeying defenders. He is defensively tenacious, too. He completed 90 per cent of his passes and said: ‘An unbelievable day. Every minute counts and I’m very proud of my performance here.’ One sublime first touch with his outstep drew gasps and Villa did not dispossess him once. City and England staff struggle to take the ball off him at the end of training, too, Foden retaining possession as long as possible. Given the chance, he would still be out on the Wembley grass now.