Guardiola Hails Foden As ‘Most Talented Player I’ve Ever Seen’

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed the club’s academy product Phil Foden as the most talented footballer he has ever seen, but also explains why he cannot guarantee the 19 year old regular starting role in his team yet.

Guardiola’s proclamation will sound surreal to many as Foden has managed to play sparingly for Manchester City – only 26 matches in all competitions in the past two seasons.

Foden was nurtured up for eighth years in the Manchester City’s academy and youth systems. He was promoted to the senior squad in 2017, and has since then been working hard to get Guardiola’s full nod.

The midfielder who has represented England at the U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 levels is now looking to make more progress in the Guardiola’s side in the 2019/20 season. He has joined the club’s pre-season programme late due to his involvement in the England U21’s European Championship duties. He featured as a 72nd minute substitute for Leroy Sane when City thumped Kitchee 6-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.

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“He (Foden) is the most talented player I have ever seen,” Guardiola told reporters in a press conference.

“His problem is sometimes his manager doesn’t put him in starting Xl.

“He deserves all the minutes, but with his competitors it isn’t easy. He works incredibly. He knows I’m here to help him.”

Manchester City will clash with Japanese side Yokohama F.Marinos in their last pre-season friendly at the Nissan Stadium Yokojama on Saturday, before returning to England to face Liverpool in their Community Shield clash on August 4.