PHIL FODEN

Becks at Wimbledon, 1996. Wayne Rooney against Arsenal, 2002. Phil Foden at Anfield, 2021.

Every so often, a young Premier League player delivers a moment so compelling that it’s forever viewed as the day a superstar came of age. Time will tell whether Foden can be as great as Beckham and Rooney – but ever since he masterminded England’s U17 World Cup triumph in 2017, no one has been in any doubt about his potential. Against Liverpool in early February, he broke through from being a star of the future, to the undoubted star of the here and now.

This was always going to be a big season for the 20- year- old. David Silva had left Manchester City, and Pep Guardiola was placing his faith in Foden to replace the Spaniard – after nine league starts last term.

Before 2020- 21 had even kicked off, though, Foden faced the first crisis of his career – sent home by England two days after winning his first cap, for inviting a girl back to the hotel.

It could have ruined his season, but didn’t. Foden scored twice against Iceland on his return to the national team in November, and has become an ever more pivotal player for City. Generally used out wide or in central midfield by Guardiola, he started to find the net frequently, then earned his selection as a false nine against rivals Liverpool. The stage was set.

With the game level at 1- 1, Foden came to the fore against Jurgen Klopp’s reigning champs, brilliantly setting up Ilkay Gundogan to put City in front, then rocketing home the fourth goal in a 4- 1 thumping.

It could yet prove to be the most decisive fixture of the season, and put the Sky Blues in total control of the title race. That day at Anfield, a star may well have been born.