Former Manchester City duo praise Phil Foden after his Champions League performance against Sporting Lisbon

The Sky Blues midfielder was one of the club’s top performers on Wednesday evening despite the 0-0 score-line.
Aiden Beswick
By Aiden Beswick
Published 10th Mar 2022, 11:49 BST

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Former Manchester City duo Joleon Lescott and Owen Hargreaves have heaped praise on Phil Foden after his performance against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday evening.

The Sky Blues reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 5-0 aggregate win over Sporting in the last-16.

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Despite the 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (9 March), Foden was highlighted as one of the club’s top performers, with Lescott claiming the City number 47 has the capability to be the ‘most decorated English player’ of all-time.

"There’s so many elements to it because we see him playing multiple positions and that showcases how intelligent he is,” Lescott told BT Sport.

Pep Guardiola explained how Phil Foden is managing his ongoing ankle injury. Credit: GettyPep Guardiola explained how Phil Foden is managing his ongoing ankle injury. Credit: Getty
Pep Guardiola explained how Phil Foden is managing his ongoing ankle injury. Credit: Getty

“He has the respect of Pep [Guardiola] to say ‘if someone’s missing, you will fill that void because you are capable physically, tactically and technically’.

"I think he has the capability to become the most decorated English player ever. If he stays at Man City for the duration of his career and they continue to dominate the way they have - he’s averaging two trophies a season. It wouldn’t surprise me."

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At the age of just 21, Foden has 10 major honours to his name as well as being named the PFA and Premier League Young Player of the Year last season.

Ex-Sky Blues midfielder Hargreaves has also complimented Foden by comparing him to Andres Iniesta, while stating the England international ‘makes football look far too easy’.

City have won the cup in all of the last four seasons.City have won the cup in all of the last four seasons.
City have won the cup in all of the last four seasons.

Hargreaves added: "He’s so unique. He reminds me of [Andres] Iniesta. He’s a great dribbler, his turn of pace, his vision and it just makes him unique. He always does [have bright moments]. He makes football look far too easy. Everything he does, just the sense of awareness, he plays in multiple positions."

Foden made his debut for City in 2017 and has since featured 155 times in all competitions for the club, netting 41 goals and assisting his teammates on 30 occasions.

His performances for the Sky Blues have since earned him 13 caps for England.

Related topics:Phil FodenChampions LeagueBT SportEngland

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