Gareth Southgate, the 53-year-old manager of the England national football team, has expressed his admiration for a standout Manchester City player, Phil Foden.
Southgate, who has coached numerous elite players and observed countless Premier League matches throughout his career, singled out Foden for high praise regarding his performance this season.
During the most recent Football Writers’ Association award presentation, Southgate recalled the first time he encountered Foden, a moment that left a lasting impression on him.
He reminisced about an Under-16 camp at St George’s Park where he first noticed Foden’s exceptional talent. “Special players provide a vibration across the room,” Southgate said. “Everyone was asking, ‘Have you seen Phil?'”
Southgate further explained that even at that young age, Foden’s talent was unmistakable. “I see the same player now as before,” he noted, describing Foden’s distinctive playing style characterized by his gliding, twisting movements, and fluidity.
To Southgate’s surprise, he learned that Foden was only fourteen at the time, a revelation that underscored the prodigious nature of his talent.
Foden’s development has continued under the guidance of Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola and the club’s outstanding coaching staff. Southgate highlighted Foden’s enduring hunger and passion for the game, stating, “Phil is a football fanatic.
He must be with the ball all the time.” He humorously added that it often falls to fellow player Jack Grealish to drag Foden off the training field, illustrating Foden’s relentless dedication to improving his skills.
This season, Foden has indeed demonstrated his exceptional class and talent. At just 23 years old, he has significantly increased his goal contributions compared to the previous season, scoring 13 more goals in 51 games across all competitions.
This impressive performance has earned him the FWA Men’s Player of the Year title and nominations for both the Premier League Player of the Season and the Manchester City Player of the Season honors.
Southgate’s admiration for Foden extends beyond his statistics. He sees in Foden a player with a unique style and an enduring passion for football that will ensure his stardom for many years to come.
“We count ourselves lucky to have him,” Southgate remarked, emphasizing Foden’s value to both Manchester City and the England national team.
Foden’s contributions have been crucial not only to his club but also to the national team. Under Southgate’s management, Foden has already made 33 appearances for England, scoring four goals and providing eight assists.
His consistent performance and remarkable skill set make him a key player for the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer.
