Yahoo Finance Phil Foden becoming ‘a serious player’ with ‘massive influence’ on Man City title chase, says Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden is becoming a “serious player” as he hailed the young Englishman’s “massive influence” in Manchester City’s chase for silverware.
Foden continued his terrific recent form by scoring one goal and playing a major hand in the other as City beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday night to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Foden also scored in both legs of City’s Champions League quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund and was superb after coming off the bench as their quadruple dream was ended by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
Foden’s importance to Guardiola’s side seems to be growing every week, particularly with Kevin de Bruyne out injured and Raheem Sterling out of form, as the Spaniard was quick to note after full-time at Villa Park.
“This guy is growing,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “His influence in our games is massive. He’s becoming a serious player.
“Phil right now, in the last games especially, is becoming such an important player. His influence in the final third is so important. He can play wide, he can play inside, he’s so aggressive with the ball.”
Guardiola’s praise was echoed by club captain Fernandinho, who has watched the midfielder blossom from a highly-rated academy prospect into the creative fulcrum who could play a major part for England at this summer’s European Champions.
“I’ve known him about five years, since he was a little boy and he’s showed his quality, no doubt about that,” the Brazilian said.
“He’s matured and taking the actions better, chooses better actions, scored today and he’s been awesome so pleased and happy for him because he’s a nice boy and deserves the best.”
Read More
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can star for England at Euro 2020 after outshining Erling Haaland
Arsenal and Chelsea chiefs asked to quit Premier League roles over European Super League breakaway
