Phil Foden has named Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer as two players that could follow his path to success at Man City.
Speaking in the first episode of 3in3: How City’s EDS made history, Foden identified the youngsters as the duo that could make their mark in the first team in the near future.
The midfielder has become one of Man City’s most successful academy products since making his senior debut in a Champions League match against Feyenoord in 2017.
Foden has since won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League – all at 23 years old.
Nicknamed ‘The Stockport Iniesta’, Foden has also become a key part of the England squad and is likely to feature heavily for the Three Lions over the next ten years or so.
Foden has thanked City’s academy for his success so far, while he believes Lewis and Palmer also have the potential to follow in his footsteps.
Speaking in the club’s new three-part documentary series, he said: “I think we have great coaching staff here coaching them in the right way from a very young age. And the scouting is really good too. We find the players early on.
“I always dreamed of playing with some of the players I’m playing with now. I’ve had a long journey coming through each age group. I always just worked hard every day the best I could and thankfully it paid off.
“With Cole (Pamer) and Rico (Lewis) training with us too it’s really good for me seeing the young lads do what I did and to play with them and help them as much as I can it’s so nice.
“They are great players and hopefully they can continue to work hard and be in the first team.”
Are Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis the future of Man City?
Cole Palmer has caught the eye for a number of years, despite only been given a real chance in the first team last season.
The 21-year-old made 14 appearances in the Premier League during the previous campaign and remains a favourite of Pep Guardiola, despite still looking quite far from a regular place in the starting line-up.
The forward has been heavily linked with a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, which could arguably determine his future at the club.
Palmer needs regular game time in order to develop his potential and success elsewhere could see him force his way into Guardiola’s plans.
Meanwhile, Lewis was thrust into the limelight last season, making 10 starts in the Premier League after only making his debut in August.
The defender has looked extremely promising in his first campaign with the first team and has fit in very well alongside some brilliant players.
He could also do with a loan move away, however City’s lack of depth at full-back makes that unlikely. He will be hoping he can pick up where he left off this time round.
