Phil Foden is, perhaps, the darling of the Manchester City fanbase, a boyhood supporter of the club and the appetite amongst the Etihad faithful to see him succeed is unrivalled.
The 19-year-old has struggled for game time this season, particularly in the Premier League where he is yet to start during this current campaign.
Pep Guardiola may not necessarily feel Foden is ready to play a key role ahead of the likes of David Silva or Bernardo Silva just yet, but the club’s supporters believe the Englishman is ready to step up to the mantle.
Is Phil Foden ready to start regularly in the Premier League?
Yes
No
Love David Silva but I think it is Foden time.
— Scott Rice (@scottrice1109) December 8, 2019
FINALLY ?
— injuryfc?? (@mxncityszn) December 8, 2019
Now this has made my Sunday! Right now us @ManCity fans need something to excite us, and we are all excited when we see @PhilFoden is starting!
— That Passionate & Opinionated White Boy (@TPOWB) December 8, 2019
Yes that would be great.
— Mezgebu Birhan (@BirhanMezgebu) December 9, 2019
Everyone I know mentioned how good foden did when he played at burnley
— joel hardwick (@joel_mr_rage) December 9, 2019
Play him then!!!!!!
— Will Pickering (@BadKompany7) December 8, 2019
He’s always been ready, but you have chosen players who play for the remuneration rather than the badge on their chest. Phil Foden is a badge player!
— Brian Malb (@professormalb) December 8, 2019
What do we think?
There is no denying the brilliant talent possessed by Foden and it’s important to remember that his lack of playing time is not a poor reflection of his own ability, but a consequence of the fact City have so many exciting attacking midfield players who are seasoned professionals.
The England Under 21 international is still extremely young and therefore the panic around his failure to establish himself as a first-team regular thus far seems premature. What people should be focussing on is the fact that he will have learnt a great deal from the incredible talents with whom he trains with on a daily basis.
Phil Foden is the future of Manchester City but in the eyes of Guardiola, it doesn’t appear that he is at the moment – for the time being at least.