Guardiola: Phil’s a real joy to watch
PHIL Foden looks different to those at City that see him every week.
The Stockport starlet has impressed since the restart of the Premier League, coming off the bench against Arsenal to claim a goal before turning in a man-of-the match performance against Burnley with two goals and an assist on Monday night.
Club ambassador Mike Summerbee noted in his programme notes that Foden has ‘grown up now - he’s a man, not a boy’ and has backed him to be a first-team regular next season.
Foden may break into Pep Guardiola’s side sooner than that if he can keep up the level of performance that he has shown in his last two appearances, and the departure of David Silva should provide further opportunities going forward.
The 20-year-old has long been earmarked as the Spaniard’s successor and will get his chance to take that spot in the team.
However, as Foden has developed it has become apparent that he is not a like-for-like replacement for Silva.
Guardiola has used the youngster on the wings this season, and spoke after the Burnley game about his knack for goals - something Silva has never really shown.
“The good players play everywhere,” said the manager.
“The players who understand the game, what they have to do in every single moment and every action, can play everywhere and Phil is one - especially up front.
“He is not a winger but he can play there.
“He won the Under-17 World Cup with England playing right winger so he can play in that position, he can play in every position, but I like him playing close to the box.
“He has something special with his sense for goal. It is not easy to find wingers with a sense for goals.
“He scored in the last game, he scored in this game, he made an incredible assist, he made a pass to Sergio for the penalty.
“Always when he is close to the box he gives something and we can count on him.”
The expectation for Foden, who said Wednesday night was his best game for the Blues, both at the club and among the fans.
And Guardiola admits he cannot recall a bad match Foden has played for him in the first-team. “I remember some games in the cup where he played similarly,” said the Blues manager.
“I’m happy for him and if he feels it was his best performance, then perfect.
“I’ve said it before, when he’s played he has never played bad, especially with his attitude and his behaviour, whether he plays or doesn’t play.
“He loves to play football, when he’s got a day off you see him with his friends, the first thing he does in training is to get the ball and make a pass. “Every time he has played with us since being promoted, he has played to a high level but we can’t forget his age.
“He will be an important player for the next decade in this club. Every minute he plays, he deserves it. Not just the two goals, the way he fights, he’s a joy to watch.
“When David Silva said that this
He will be an important player for the next decade in this club. Every minute he plays he deserves it
Pep Guardiola
was is last year, we spoke together with Txiki (Begiristain, director of football at City) and said we have Phil, so we don’t have to invest any pounds on a new player.”
Although the title looks beyond the Blues, Guardiola has been pleased with his side’s displays since the restart and the fact they are closing in on securing a Champions League spot next season.
“We played really well, it was a solid performance,” said the Blues boss of Wednesday night’s win which made it two in two since the league restart.
“In the beginning, we were a little bit hurried, we had to be more patient, give permission to ourselves to become more comfortable and make the transitions.
“It helped us a lot, the first goal from Phil [Foden].
“It’s nice, we have a good advantage in the push for qualification to the Champions League next season and we are so close.”