Turnaround is down to Fab’s Delph-belief...
FABIAN Delph believes he is the hardest working member of Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking side.
The 28-year-old played a key role in City’s triumphant Premier League campaign as he transformed himself from surplus to requirements to a vital first-teamer.
Delph’s fantastic attitude not only saw him excel under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, but it was also enough to convince Gareth Southgate of a place in England’s squad for the World Cup in Russia.
The Three Lions kick-start their campaign against Tunisia tonight, and speaking ahead of the match, Delph revealed his key to rejuvenating his career was down to the desire he showed on the training ground.
“There are obviously a lot more talented players than me in the Manchester City team,” he said.
“But my work ethic is probably better than theirs, and I think Pep likes that.
“He’s been great with me, he’s worked with me closely, as have the rest of his staff and this season has been absolutely class for me.
“To top it off with a World Cup, I am delighted.
“Coming into the England set-up the lads from City are very confident, as are the other lads in the squad. So I’m looking forward for the first game to start, it’s exciting times.” The squad have already been told who is starting against Tunisia, and Delph is raring to go, whether he is thrown straight in for tonight’s game or not.
“I am absolutely delighted to be in this squad having not been here for quite a while. Whenever I’m needed I’ll give nothing less than 100 per cent,” he said.
As much as Delph is gearing up for the group stages, the utility player also has his phone on hand waiting for a call from back home. Natalie, his long-term partner, is due to give birth to their third child at the end of the month
“It’s very exciting if I’m being honest,” Delph said. “It’s been a fantastic year for me on a personal level and to be expecting our third child is absolutely amazing.
“I’m waiting on the text to say ‘get back home.’”