Five things to know about Man City youngster Phil Foden after U17 World Cup triumph

Sport360 staff 19:29 29/10/2017
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  • England Under-17s Phil Foden was named player of the tournament after their World Cup triumph in Kolkata.

    Here’s a closer look at the Manchester City midfielder.

    BACKGROUND

    Born in Stockport, just eight miles from the Ethihad Stadium, Foden joined City at under-nine level. He turned 17 in May. Such is his rapid rise to stardom with England’s Under-17s he does not even have his own Wikipedia page yet.

    GENUINE TALENT

    Foden, aged just 16, was named on the bench for City’s Champions League tie with Celtic in December 2016. Only Glyn Pardoe and Paul Simpson were younger when they were called into the squad.

    Foden was on the bench for City's Champions League home game against Celtic last year.

    Foden was on the bench for City’s Champions League home game against Celtic last year.

    TASTE OF THE FUTURE

    While Foden has yet to play a competitive match for City, he has already played with the first team. He was given his first opportunity against Manchester United on the summer tour to the United States in a game City lost 2-0.

    The teenager’s inclusion on the flight to America was such a surprise his mother had to rush to Manchester Airport with his passport before the City squad flew out.

    NEAR MISS

    Foden was the stand-out player at the Under-17 World Cup, but he almost did not make it. City boss Pep Guardiola admitted he was tempted to recall him to play in the Carabao Cup clash against Wolves.

    “There was an opportunity for Phil to stay here with us and play in the game against Wolves,” he said.

    “But we believe that when this guy has a chance to play in a World Cup against Brazil, against Germany, Spain, Italy and whoever else, in India, it’s an amazing opportunity.”

    Foden was Man of the Tournament at the U17 World Cup.

    Foden was Man of the Tournament at the U17 World Cup.

    INSPIRATION

    The prodigious midfielder is in the right place to learn from the best such is the depth of the talent pool at City. But there is one player he hopes to emulate and that is David Silva.

    “He’s my idol really. I try and watch what he does and learn from him and try and do the same things,” Foden, who was just 10 when the Spaniard arrived in Manchester, told City’s website.

    Foden could be given a run in the Manchester City senior side.

    Foden could be given a run in the Manchester City senior side.

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