FODEN, THE MAKING OF A BIG FISH
Keen angler Phil hooked on success, but admits: I still have a lot to learn
PHIL FODEN has sought comfort in the calm of fishing after coming of age in a roller-coaster 12 months.
Manchester City’s brightest young talent experienced the highs and lows during a year that he will never forget.
On the plus side, he played a full role for Pep Guardiola’s title-winners and can look back with pride at his role with England too during the Euros.
Peace
But he missed the chance of playing in the final for the Three Lions against Italy at Wembley after an ankle knock.
And the loss of one of his advisers, Richard Green, to Covid hung heavy on him.
But the 21-year-old also celebrated the arrival of a second child. So, all in all, it’s little wonder that a spot of peace and quiet and a closer relationship with nature has been the perfect antidote to a hectic 12 months.
Speaking at St George’s Park, he said: “I got a few chances to go fishing when I was injured. It was nice to catch up with my dad and just relax.
“I fish around near here, at a place near Whitmore – and I’m all right at it – but I have to get my tips from experts.”
Change is the only constant in life, never mind football, and
Foden is now in a strange position of competing with Jack
Grealish and
Raheem
Sterling at both club and country.
But Foden said: “I don’t see it like that at all. We could all play together, if the manager wanted that. You never know.
“I’ve had to learn more than one role, especially when I had just come back from injury. The first game was in midfield and, against Liverpool, I played off the left.
“I just have to keep learning and make sure I can do the job when I do change position.
“I can definitely play midfield and off the wings or
as a false nine. I don’t think
I’ll be doing that with England, though, because we’ve got Harry Kane.
At City, the manager always rotates and I think this year everyone has played – you can see how many goalscorers we’ve had – that’s shows everyone is ready.
“I’ve just had to be patient and keep putting in good performances.
“I saw a stat that said Pep hasn’t played the same team for more than three games – ever – and that just shows you have to be ready.
“I wasn’t frustrated. I knew I’d get the opportunity to play, whether in a cup or the
Premier League.”
Foden has established himself as an
important member of Guardiola’s squad.
“Along with the improvement at club level, I had more minutes, more assists, scored more and had more influence on games, so I felt like I helped the team to win it,” he said .
It is a sentiment he wishes he could have said about England.
Emotion
He added: “It was very difficult, getting injured so close to the final. It was a great experience – reaching the final – but, for me, it was gutting.
“I’ll look back on moments, such as the semi-final against Denmark. When Harry scored, you could see so much emotion in people’s faces. We can take a lot of strength from that.
“I believe we’ve got one of the best England squads we’ve seen for a while now.”