Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised teenage midfielder Phil Foden, calling him a diamond in England. The 18-year old made his first Champions League start of the season in last night’s encounter against Hoffenheim and played the entirety of the match, giving an impressive performance.
Hoffenheim started the match well and were awarded a penalty early in the match after Aymeric Laporte fouled stand-in captain Benjamin Hubner. Andrej Kramaric converted from the spot to give Hoffenheim the lead. However, a brace from Leroy Sane won the match and the group for Manchester City.
Following the match, Guardiola praised Foden who recently signed a new 6-year contract with the club. Foden’s new contract sees him earn £30,000 a week. Guardiola said, “He’s an outstanding young player, England has a diamond. He played like a man, a real man. Phil was incredible the way he played in the second half. It’s not just the quality he has with the ball. He looks skinny, looks like he’s not strong but he’s really strong.
He was incredible. We don’t have any doubts about his quality. He has to compete with David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, but he can do everything. He is a fighter, can score goals, has the body shape. He is only 18 years old. We didn’t have any doubts that he can play at the top level.”
Foden has made 13 appearances for City this season so far, scoring a goal and providing two assists. Given the way Foden is currently playing, there is no doubt that he will soon be a regular starter for Manchester City.
Manchester City will next take on Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
