Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand explained why Man City director Phil Foden already looks like a “senior professional” early on in his career.
Foden has taken his game to another level in recent times, demonstrated by his starring role in the 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier this month.
The 20-year-old was on the bench for his subsequent defeat in Southampton but tonight he left at home with Newcastle United.
BT Sport’s pre-match coverage of the competition naturally included a lot of praise for the midfielder and Ferdinando analyzed which areas of Foden’s game are constantly improving.
He said to BT Sport: “This guy is a phenomenal talent. We waited a long time for it to arrive at the sheepfold. The boy has arrived – he is scoring goals, creating opportunities.
“He’s good at getting into the pockets behind midfielder opponents. Then it’s about making decisions, driving with the ball, he’s a fantastic dribbler. His decision making is that of a senior professional with the way he plays right now. He’s making the right decisions at the right time. “
Former Newcastle United star Jermaine Jenas was also in pre-game coverage and said England had been desperate for years for a player like Foden.
Jenas added: “I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves for other things in his game. I think the creative elements are so natural to him.
“He sees things that other people can’t see and the weight of the passage is there. He already has an eye for the goal. But the energy he brings to the table for that Manchester City team, I think is incredible.
“He makes long runs to burst into the box. I think that’s why he finds himself collecting the goals he’s doing. Pep will ask him constantly (to do it).
“In addition to getting involved and dictating the game, he will be given more and more responsibility in a City shirt and an England shirt. For fans of England, it’s so exciting to see – we’ve been desperate for someone like him for years. “
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