Phil Foden was always destined to be one of the world’s best players.
It’s his natural trajectory 1/
It’s his natural trajectory 1/
Foden began training with City aged 4 after a City scout visited his primary school to check on the under 6s. A teacher alerted the scout to a 4yr old kid in the reception class and after a short look at him, Foden was invited to train at City’s Academy 2/
Ex City captain Paul Power worked at the Academy when Foden was starring as a young boy. By the time City could sign him, he was in demand:
‘Everyone knew he was the best player in the North West when he was 8. United, Liverpool and Everton were all interested in signing him’ 3/
‘Everyone knew he was the best player in the North West when he was 8. United, Liverpool and Everton were all interested in signing him’ 3/
Seen here playing for Reddish Vulcans, you can see why the top clubs in the North West were scrambling for Foden’s signature.
The half turns, the feints, the chewing gum dribble, it was all there already.
Foden signed on for City 4/
The half turns, the feints, the chewing gum dribble, it was all there already.
Foden signed on for City 4/
Foden’s progress through the Academy wasn’t all plain sailing. He was recognised as the biggest talent at the club but his physical development had fallen behind his peers. As Luke Bolton, Foden’s former teammate remembers 5/
At 15 he was a regular in City’s under 18s team and helped them to the Premier League North title.
At 16 he helped City reach the FA Youth Cup final, scoring here in the semi final vs Stoke.
Same half turn, same feints, same dribble as the kid at Reddish Vulcans 6/
At 16 he helped City reach the FA Youth Cup final, scoring here in the semi final vs Stoke.
Same half turn, same feints, same dribble as the kid at Reddish Vulcans 6/
Guardiola named him in the first team squad for a Champions League group match vs Celtic aged 16 and 193 days.
At 17 he led England Under 17s to their first World Cup title.
Foden was named player of the tournament. He was outstanding 7/
At 17 he led England Under 17s to their first World Cup title.
Foden was named player of the tournament. He was outstanding 7/
Foden won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year aged 17. Only 3 footballers have ever won the award: Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and Phil Foden 8/
Guardiola described Foden as ‘the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager. He has everything to become one of the best players’
An obsession with football and being with the ball is always referenced by those who know Foden 9/
An obsession with football and being with the ball is always referenced by those who know Foden 9/
Trophy after trophy followed his first team debut.
Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history, helped in no small part by his longevity, playing on into his 40s.
But at 23 Foden is way ahead of Giggs’ haul at the same age 10/
Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history, helped in no small part by his longevity, playing on into his 40s.
But at 23 Foden is way ahead of Giggs’ haul at the same age 10/
Foden continued to win individual awards, named the PFA Young Player of the Year twice and the Premier League Young Player of the year twice 11/
Since the beginning Foden’s natural trajectory has always suggested he will go right to the top.
We are seeing him make that final step this season.
Phil Foden, one of the world’s greatest footballers 12//
We are seeing him make that final step this season.
Phil Foden, one of the world’s greatest footballers 12//
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