FODEN’S Prem no problem to Phil after scoring in training

PHIL FODEN reckons scoring in the Premier League is easier than trying to hit the net in training at Manchester City.

The silky City and England youngster has made scoring look effortless this season, bagging 11 for club and country in 30 games.

But when it comes to sticking the ball past his team-mates at City’s Etihad training complex it’s a whole lot harder.

Pep Guardiola’s defence have only conceded once during their powerful nine-match winning Premier League run.

And as City head to Anfield today for a crunch title clash with wobbling champions Liverpool, Foden has saluted their “unbelievable” defenders.

He said: “Our defence has been unbelievable. It is one of the hardest things to keep that many clean sheets so it says a lot about our defenders.

“It is very hard to score goals in training, let’s put it that way! We have so many quality defenders and everyone is putting in 100 per cent on the training pitch. You can see that in our results recently.

“Defending is the main thing in football. If no one scores goals against you then you always have a chance to win when your defence is strong.

“We have kept a lot of clean sheets this season so it definitely helps.”

Foden, 20, has become a key component of Guardiola’s squad, more so with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined with a hamstring injury.

His emergence is no surprise to Guardiola, who has always maintained that the Stockport-born midfielder is the most talented youngster he has ever seen.

But his lightning-fast elevation HAS surprised Foden who admits he was star-struck around City’s big names when he first started training with the senior side – an echo of their fans’ anthem, “We’re Not Really Here”.

“In the first season I couldn’t stop thinking, ‘Wow, it is Sergio Aguero.’

“It took me a year to get over it but now I just see them as team-mates.

“I always dreamed I’d play here but to make 100 appearances at a club I supported is massive and it is better when you come through the academy.

“You give 100 per cent and your passion to every game and that’s what I feel I do.”

Now the tables have turned and City’s established stars are somewhat in awe of although he