Manchester City: David James on why Phil Foden is ‘world class’ and compares him to Liverpool hero

David James has dubbed Phil Foden a ‘world class’ player after his performance for Manchester City against Liverpool.

The former Sky Blues’ goalkeeper admitted he is an admirer of Foden’s style of play, so much so that he even mentioned a tattoo of the England international.

James, who also donned the red of Liverpool, spoke highly of the 21-year-old and expressed he enjoys watching him play.

“I’m a Phil Foden fan,” James said on City’s website following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

“I’ve just stopped short of having a Foden tattoo. This lad is superb, a world class player.

“Phil loves the game. As a player, you fluctuate, he hasn’t had a long career yet.

“Sometimes if you go into a game not confident and you stop doing what’s natural to you.

“There’s little touches he does and takes it round the player and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

Foden has featured for City in multiple roles this season and started as a false-nine against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Sky Blues no.47 has made 36 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions so far, scoring 11 goals and assisting his teammates on seven occasions.

Ex-City forward Shaun Goater also emphasised his excitement when watching Foden and compared the 21-year-old to Michael Owen.

“He [Foden] is different gravy!” Goater said.

“Foden is that player who excites you because he’s someone who scores goals, makes goals, can play wide, a false 9, up top... anywhere in fact.

“He’s exciting in that way. Wherever you play him, you think this kid knows the game.

“Michael Owen, when he burst onto the scene, is the closest I’ve seen to him.”

The Sky Blues currently sit top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Liverpool, with seven games remaining.