Foden can follow in footsteps of City’s main man
PHIL Foden, recently nominated for the Golden Boy award, has the perfect role model at City.
That man is Raheem Sterling, who won the award in 2014.
The England star’s development in the five years since has been at the Blues is testament to the winger’s ability, and sheer determination to become one of the world’s best.
Last year Sterling recorded 17 goals in 34 Premier League appearances and his rich vein of form has continued into the new campaign, with the winger scoring an impressive six in seven games this season.
However, while Sterling is undoubtedly now a global star, it’s easy to forget his path to the top was not easy, making himself a perfect model for Foden.
Sterling made his first-team breakthrough at now fierce rivals Liverpool at 18-years-old, reminiscent of Foden, although the Mancunian made his first-team debut one year younger, at 17.
After his debut, Sterling only made two more Premier League appearances in Liverpool’s 2011/12 campaign, once again similar to Foden, who has found opportunities on the pitch under Guardiola hard to come by.
The youngster has only played 101 minutes this season, and while frustration may eventually creep into the versatile midfielder’s thoughts, Foden should remind himself of Sterling’s path to the top.
It took two years after Sterling’s debut for him to win the FIFA Golden Boy award – the same award which Foden has recently been nominated for.
And despite winning the prize at Liverpool, Sterling joind City in 2015 in a £49m move, in search of silverware and this is where Foden has an edge that Sterling did not.
Having been nominated this year at 18, Foden is younger than Sterling was when he was nominated for the prestigious award, which was previously won by Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney and Kylian Mbappe.
Foden has also had less time on the pitch than Sterling had when he won the award, which speaks volumes to how well he is performing when handed the opportunity to play.
It’s also worth noting Sterling had to seek a transfer in search of silverware. However, Foden is already playing under arguably the best manager in the world and collecting Premier League medals at such a ripe age.
Under Guardiola’s tutelage there is no doubt Foden will eventually get his chance for regular game time, and if the Spaniard helps Foden develop like Sterling has, City will have another star on their hands.