'No way,' says Phil Foden as Man City star is told which Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola compared him to | UZC8LY6 | 2024-03-07 09:08:01
Ever since he burst on to the scene as a 17-year-old, individuals have affectionately nicknamed him the "Stockport Iniesta".
PHIL FODEN is used to being compared to Barcelona legends.
Ever since he burst on to the scene as a 17-year-old, individuals have affectionately nicknamed him the "Stockport Iniesta".
Yet there was a fair greater& praise from former Nou Camp coach Pep Guardiola in the aftermath of Sunday's Manchester derby.
The Etihad chief talked about Foden in the same sentence as the good Lionel Messi — due to his creating knack of being a match-winner.
Guardiola was fast to point out he isn't putting the England ace& on the similar degree as his previous Barca favorite just yet.
In any case, he does not consider& anybody presently enjoying at the prime degree& even comes close to the& Argentina World Cup-winner in his heyday.
Nevertheless it was still the very best praise — on the again of calling the Metropolis midfielder the most effective player in the Premier League.
And after his two second-half objectives turned the game in his group's favour as they won 3-1 at the& Etihad, it is onerous to argue.
Guardiola stated: "With the great players — and I met the biggest-ever participant in Messi — you'll be able to play properly however it's a must to win video games.
"I don't need to examine because Phil isn't the level of Leo& — he can do all the things however he is profitable games as properly."
When advised what his boss had stated, Foden advised Viaplay: "No means!
"I need to be that participant who wins video games for the group — and turn up within the largest games. You can't examine anybody to Messi, he's in his own world.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "However to listen to one thing like that from the supervisor is really nice."
Even from a younger age,& coaches who worked with Foden noticed comparisons with Leo Messi.
Former& City academy director Steve Eyre advised talkSPORT: "I've only seen Lionel Messi better —& when it comes to the stability, which sets him apart.
"Now Foden's legs and hips have thickened up he's not really easy to knock off the ball. But if he ever hits the ground he bounces straight back up. He can get a lot better."
It was in Tokyo throughout Metropolis's summer time tour that Foden first spoke about his wish to be the primary man at the membership.
He has been learning his trade — since breaking by means of six seasons ago — in the shadows of players like David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.
But he coveted the prospect to play centrally, saying he would be capable of show extra of his dazzling array of expertise in that place.
And when& De Bruyne's hamstring surgery meant that chance got here up for him, he stepped effortlessly and enthusiastically into the gap left by the Belgian maestro.
Now KDB is again, Foden is spending more trip large.
But the confidence he has gained from his outstanding season continues to be evident.& And one of the causes Guardiola charges Foden as one of the best round is his versatility — he could be effective on both flank or down the middle.
The Prem is packed filled with superstars however few can supply that type of brilliance in quite a lot of totally different positions.
He's also scoring objectives — 18 means he has already enjoyed his best-ever& season and there might be as much as 19 extra matches nonetheless to return.
Certainly he will probably be in the dialog when the individual awards are handed out later in the spring.
What is obvious is Metropolis's boy marvel has grown up in current months — and the Treble winners are reaping the benefit.
'I WANT TO SCORE EVEN MORE'
Foden, who gained the Premier League player-of-the-match award in Sunday's Manchester derby, added: "I've been practising& on my ending this yr — quite a bit after training.& But I need to be that participant& profitable the large matches for the staff.
"I've acquired an excellent run of games now — I seem to be starting a lot more and I feel that helps to seek out your ft.& I need to be involved in objectives and all the time be within the box.
"It's coming off properly this yr and I need to score even more.
"I simply assume I have grown as a player. Annually I've put the work in on the training pitch and I'm now getting the rewards that& I deserve."
With that in mind, you may be seeing much more of Foden's "sniper" celebration within the weeks — and& seasons — forward.
He added: "It's principally a joke from the lads. They are saying that I shoot quite a bit in coaching they usually name me The Sniper. It's my celebration now. I like to do it."
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