Pep Guardiola had once revealed that upon joining Manchester City in the summer of 2016, sporting director Txiki Begiristain had urged him to take a look at Phil Foden during his time at the academy.
The Catalan boss was instantly impressed, allowing the now-dubbed ‘Stockport Iniesta’ to train with his first-team as a teenager, while also involving him in their pre-season tour of the United States in 2017.
As the Englishman showcased his wondrous talent in a friendly against Manchester United, the Sky Blues boss raved about his display and took him under his wing.
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After seeing Phil Foden win the Golden Ball award as England won the U-17 World Cup in India, many criticised Pep Guardiola for not starting a youngster of his calibre.
Since then, and while the wonder-kid has grown into becoming one of Manchester City’s most key players, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has handled his development extremely carefully.
Pep Guardiola’s use of Foden across the frontline has meant he has gained a superior sense of goal and operating in advanced areas, due to not operating in his favoured midfield role.
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Finding a role where the four-time Premier League champion can thrive has also sparked his rise, as the presences of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan was never eyed as an obstacle for a natural midfielder by trade.
By playing him a lot lesser in comparison to other young starlets in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola has ensured there are no chances of a burnout in the case of the jewel in the club’s crown.
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After signing a contract extension until at least the summer of 2027, Phil Foden gave immense credit to his manager and the coaching staff for their major hand in his ascent.
“Amazing. Unbelievable, I think he’s made me ten times the player I was," he glowed.
"He’s improved all aspects of my game and I’m just thankful to have him here and I’m enjoying my football with him."
Aside from his development, the decorated attacker discussed his desire to win silverware.
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“I think it just comes from myself," he said.
"Determination to always want to win. I think I’ve always been like that since I was young.
"Anything I play I want to win so I think it just comes from myself and inside.”
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With Phil Foden being hungry to succeed and being an avid listener to Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City staff’s words of wisdom, the only way is up for the club’s poster boy.
Topics: Phil Foden, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand