Foden looks to David Silva to be his Blues role model
PHIL Foden says he is modelling his game on City team-mate David Silva... and Barcelona genius Lionel Messi.
The 18-year-old midfielder has joined up with England under-21s for European Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Scotland. And while former Blues pal Jadon Sancho and fellow England under-17 World Cup winner Mason Mount are training with the England seniors, Foden betrayed no sense of frustration that he is still in age group football.
Asked who he is trying to emulate, he singled out Spain ace Silva, who many good judges think he will eventually replace in the City team.
“I’ve seen him come through at City,” says Foden, who was in the Blues academy structure before Silva joined the club in 2010.
“He’s been a great player for us and I’ve really enjoyed watching him.
“I watch him closely, he’s a great player and someone I want to be like in the future.
“Probably him and Lionel Messi. I’m my own player, but they are great players.
“They have great characters, they show that on the pitch, and impress me every time they play.”
Meanwhile, Foden’s decision to stay at City has been backed by Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam.
“He’s a 17, 18-year-old kid,” Adam said. “He’s playing with some of the best players in the world, he’s playing with the best players in the league, learning from De Bruyne, Silva, Fernandinho.
“For the next six months, it’s a crucial time for him. Learning, training every day with those players.
“Where is he going to go? Will he get into an Everton team? Will he get into a West Ham team? Yes, possibly but he isn’t playing with better players.
“He’s training and learning every day from a coach that’s at the peak.”