Gareth Southgate has expressed significant admiration for one particular Manchester City player, emphasizing the exceptional talent this individual possesses. As the manager of the England national team, Southgate, 53, has had the opportunity to manage numerous elite players and witness countless Premier League matches. However, it is the performance of this season that has prompted him to highlight one player he knows very well and hold in high regard.
Southgate spoke about Phil Foden with great enthusiasm during a recent Football Writers’ Association award ceremony, as reported by Henry Winter. He reminisced about his initial encounter with the midfield prodigy at an Under-16 camp held at St. George’s Park. “It was an Under-16 camp at St. George’s Park,” Southgate recounted. “There is a ripple effect over the entire space when you get a unique player. ‘Have you seen Phil?’ everyone exclaimed.”
He vividly remembered the buzz Foden created among everyone present, despite being only 14 years old at the time. “The fluidity, turns, and gliding motions of the player seem to be exactly the same now as they did back then,” Southgate noted, indicating that Foden’s remarkable abilities were apparent from a young age. He was struck by Foden’s talent then and remains impressed by how those talents have evolved.
In his reflections, Southgate attributed part of Foden’s development to his daily work with exceptional players, manager Pep Guardiola, and a top-notch coaching staff at Manchester City. Despite the high level of talent surrounding him, Foden has maintained his passion and drive. “Phil is a huge football fan. He enjoys playing with the ball. Usually, we have to drag [Jack] Grealish off the training field! Phil is a unique player. He will be a household name for many years to come. That we have him is a blessing,” Southgate continued, highlighting Foden’s enduring enthusiasm for the game.
This season, Foden’s performance has been particularly noteworthy. The 23-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists across 51 games in all competitions, significantly improving from his tally of 13 goals in 48 games the previous season. His consistent excellence on the field has earned him the FWA Men’s Player of the Year award and nominations for both the Premier League and Manchester City’s Player of the Season awards, underscoring why Southgate holds him in such high esteem.
Under Southgate’s guidance, Foden has become a significant asset for the England national team, making 33 appearances and contributing with eight assists and four goals. It is highly likely that Foden will be a key part of the squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer, continuing to showcase his talent on an international stage. Southgate’s praise for Foden reflects the midfielder’s extraordinary skills and the bright future ahead of him in football.
