Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden will be a key figure at club and international level for “years to come” according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker has drawn parallels between Foden and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, and he claims the pair have the potential to dominate English football:
“He’s the complete player at such a young age, which is a really scary thought. He’s up there with Bukayo Saka – they’re going to be flying the flag for England and the main men at their clubs for years and years to come. Their ability, attitude, and character at such a young age is phenomenal. They’ve both got such experienced, older heads on young shoulders – it’s amazing. They could go anywhere in the world.”
While there can be no doubting Saka’s potential, it must be said that the Gunners’ youngster hasn’t achieved nearly as much as Foden despite being a similar age.
Foden has 42 goals and 30 assists in 157 senior appearances for the Citizens, winning three Premier League titles, four League Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
Saka, in contrast, has scored 21 goals in 121 games and has only two trophies to his name, despite only being a year younger than Foden.
There are, of course, mitigating circumstances. Foden is playing in a better team for starters so he may get more opportunities to score and win titles but even so, there is no doubt he has accomplished more in his fledgling career.
