Phil Foden believes he isn’t a world-class player yet. Speaking with mancity.com the midfielder revealed he needs to perform at a high level for a longer period to earn that status. But despite Foden downplaying his status his performances this season indicate he is now the world-class player he was always destined to become.
The England international has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players this season. City’s academy poster boy has always been destined for a superb career and this season has seen him take the next step in his career. After Ilkay Gundogan departed the club for Barcelona last summer the world champions needed someone to step up in his absence. It has been Phil Foden who has stepped up to fill the sizable shoes left by the former City captain.
Across 39 appearances in all competitions, Foden has scored 16 goals and added 10 assists this season. They are fantastic statistics for a player who plays in midfield and they speak volumes of his importance to Manchester City. But it has been the performances of Foden when his team needs him the most that show he is a world-class player. He scored a crucial hat trick against Brentford in a vital 3-1 win at the GTech Community Stadium. It was a match-winning performance from Foden.
But it was Foden’s performance last weekend against Bournemouth which cemented his world-class status. He was the standout performer on the pitch as his team secured a vital 1-nil win at the Vitality Stadium. He was a cut above every player on the pitch as his performance set the tone for a hard-fought City win. Pep Guardiola told the media post-game that Foden had become a world-class player. His performance was that dominant against the Cherries.
Phil Foden believes he isn’t a world-class player yet
Despite the praise from his manager Phil Foden believes he isn’t a world-class player at this stage. He believes he has to perform for a longer period to earn that status. He told mancity.com: “I wouldn’t say world-class yet – I think I’ve got the potential to be but to hear that from the manager is special for me. I still want to keep improving and try to be an even better player. To do it for a number of years – that’s when you get the world-class status. I have to do it consistently in the biggest games and biggest occasions.”
A big performance in the 192nd Manchester derby would go a long way in proving Foden’s world-class status. Even though he believes he has a way to go be at that level his performances this season indicate that Foden has reached that level. With Phil Foden determined to continue to perform at a high level, it can only be to Manchester City’s benefit.
