John Stones wholeheartedly believes that his Manchester City and England teammate Phil Foden is world-class.
Previously, the 29-year-old praised the in-form midfielder for having an “incredible” season.
Interestingly, Phil Foden admitted that while he could become a world-class player in the future, he does not consider himself as one yet.
John Stones says Phil Foden is “100 per cent” world-class
However, those who have tuned in to watch the 23-year-old this campaign believe he has been sublime, with Tim Sherwood recently describing him as “the best player in the Premier League” so far.
Stephen Kelly also claimed that it is “very hard to find a flaw” in the treble-winner’s game.
When asked to use one word to describe Phil Foden in an interview with Sky Sports, John Stones wrote, “Silky.”
“When you play with Phil [Foden], how he receives the ball and how he does things in such tight areas under such big pressure and how he moves with it with the ball at the same speed as if he wasn’t with the ball, which is so difficult to do, you just get some players who are born to play football. Phil is just silky”, he said.
John Stones was also asked if he thinks Phil Foden is world-class and he replied, “Yes. Yeah, 100 per cent. And I think this season, with how he’s been playing, [he has] gone up a level in his own book and [I] wish I could do some of the stuff he does.”
Phil Foden has the chance to cement his status as world-class in the Manchester Derby
If Phil Foden produces a masterclass in the Manchester Derby, perhaps the masses will be on John Stones’ side by regarding him as world-class.
In his last four appearances against Manchester United, Foden has scored four goals.
Rio Ferdinand rightly claimed last month that the 23-year-old tends to find a way to step up in big games.
Considering the season Foden has had coupled with how massive a contest the derby is as well as how it could impact the title race, he has a huge opportunity to go up a level in those fans and pundits’ estimations who still think he is not quite world-class.
All eyes will be on Phil Foden to see how he delivers against Erik ten Hag’s side.
