Phil Foden was Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup final
Phil Foden was Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup final

Phil Foden: Pep Guardiola says Gareth Southgate has an incredible talent for England with Foden


England manager Gareth Southgate has an "incredible talent" in the shape of Phil Foden, according to Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

Foden produced the latest in a string of fine performances for City on Thursday as they thrashed Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad, with the 20-year-old drawing praise from all corners.

Guardiola has received plenty of criticism for the lack of game time Foden has had over the last few seasons, but the youngster looks to be making a huge impact and now seems set for a run in the team for the rest of the season.

With David Silva set to depart, there's a huge chance for Foden to step up, and according to Guardiola he has all the attributes needed to do just that - and be crucial for the Three Lions.

"All the managers around the world love to work with good players," said Guardiola, who notably coached the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi at Barcelona. "The success we've had as managers is because we're training incredible talented players and Phil is one of them.

"I am more than satisfied with him. It is an incredible reality. It is incredible news for us, for Manchester City, we have this player for the next years.

"We can count on him as a midfield player, a winger, even as a striker because he has an incredible sense of goal and a vision.

"I don't want to say anything wrong but Gareth Southgate has an incredible talent for the national team in his hands. I saw many players in my life. I was training with incredible players and Phil will be one of them."

Foden formed a formidable triumvirate with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling as Liverpool, a week after celebrating their first title in 30 years, were swept aside.

After surrendering the title to Liverpool, City seemed to have a point to prove although Guardiola did not see it like that, preferring to focus on upcoming FA Cup and Champions League games.

He said: "When one team wins eight of 10 titles they played for, it's not necessary for one game against Liverpool to show me they are hungry.

"It's three more points to help us to finish second in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League. We need four more points to do this mathematically and it is good for us for the game against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals and especially Real Madrid second leg."

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