This is the story of a young man who has been steadily rising through the ranks of Manchester City, showcasing incredible talent and potential. His journey started at a young age and has been filled with impressive performances, showcasing his exceptional abilities both domestically and internationally. He’s a true testament to the saying, “practice makes perfect.” Let’s take a closer look at his journey.
**From Early Days to Premier League Debut**
Phil Foden joined City’s academy at the tender age of 9. He quickly caught the eye of the coaches with his impressive skills and natural talent. In 2016, his commitment and hard work were rewarded with a scholarship to the club’s academy. The left-footed midfielder was a standout player at every level. His mesmerizing ability to weave past opponents with ease was a constant feature in his play.
Foden’s impact was undeniable in the U18s team. He seamlessly operated in the center of the midfield or out on the wings, utilizing his vision to deliver precise passes that opened up opportunities for his teammates. His talent extended beyond providing assists; Foden also possessed a keen eye for goal. He consistently found the back of the net during the 2016/17 U18 Premier League season. His 11 goals from midfield were crucial, including strikes against tough opponents like Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and Manchester United.
Foden’s incredible form didn’t go unnoticed by Pep Guardiola, City’s manager. He included the young star in the first-team squad for the Champions League match against Celtic in December 2016. This was a huge moment in Foden’s young career, signaling his potential to become a key player for the club.
**International Success and Continued Development**
While he was already making waves at club level, Foden was also making a name for himself on the international stage. He joined other promising young English players like Curtis Anderson, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Jadon Sancho in the England squad for the European U17 Championships. His impact was evident in the final where he scored a goal, but unfortunately, England lost to Spain in a penalty shootout.
Foden continued his rise through the ranks, taking part in the US tour with the City first team and showcasing his talent with a series of impressive performances. He was included in several first-team squads during the early part of the 2017/18 season, even making the substitutes’ bench for several Carabao Cup games. However, his commitment to international football saw him represent England at the FIFA U17 World Cup in India. His incredible performances earned him the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player, and he helped England win the coveted Under-17s World Cup.
**Making History at Manchester City**
Foden’s journey culminated in a senior debut for City against Feyenoord in the Champions League. He came on as a substitute for Yaya Toure in the 75th minute, becoming City’s youngest player to feature in European competition. He didn’t stop there! Foden went on to become the youngest Englishman to start a Champions League game when he was named in the starting lineup against Shakhtar in December 2017.
Phil Foden has established himself as a bright prospect for Manchester City and England. His journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. It’s clear that Foden has a bright future ahead of him and is destined for greatness. We can’t wait to see what he achieves in the years to come.
