Pep Guardiola handed Phil Foden his debut for Manchester City in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in 2017.
At the time, Foden was just 17 years of age and tasked to play against a midfield that starred big names like Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick.
However, the Manchester City gem held his own and danced across the pitch to gift the world their first sight of watching him in action.
For years, there were soundings about Phil Foden being the real deal and he pounced upon the chance to show that in a Manchester Derby that Jose Mourinho’s side eventually won 2-0.
Pep Guardiola lost for words after watching Phil Foden debut
But the positive for Pep Guardiola from the game would have been watching a teenage Foden shine. From his very first appearance for City, it was clear to see that the Englishman was a technical phenom, blessed with quick feet and a continental style of play that earned him the nickname, ‘Stockport Iniesta.’
Guardiola was convinced about Foden being an outstanding talent and made no intention to play that down after Manchester City’s defeat against Manchester United in the United States.
The Catalan said via Manchester City’s official website: “I don’t have words, I would like to have the right words to describe what I saw today.”
“You are lucky guys, believe me. You are the guys that saw the first game, in the first team for Manchester City, for this guy.”
Pep Guardiola went on to describe Foden as “special” and described him as a “gift” for Manchester City’s first-team.
“It’s been a long time since I saw something like today. His performance was on another level. He’s a City player, he grew up in the academy.”
“He loves the club, he’s a City fan and for us he’s a gift. He will stay with us, training with us in pre-season and maybe during the season he’s going to stay with us because he is special.”
“He played against Pogba, Herrera, after that against Carrick and he created chances and was always in the best position. I found the real words.”
Phil Foden record playing under Pep Guardiola at Man City
It’s safe to say that the two-time treble-winner was proven right, with even Thierry Henry calling Foden “world-class” last season.
Foden and Pep Guardiola have a special relationship and while the former was always gifted, it is the Manchester City boss who has helped develop him into a tremendous attacker.
| PHIL FODEN STATS FOR MAN CITY | |
| APPEARANCES | 308 |
| GOALS | 97 |
| ASSISTS | 60 |
| TROPHIES WON | 16 |
The six-time Premier League winner is just 24and while he is not having his best season, it would be a fool’s errand to write the silky technician off from continuing to hit newer heights under Guardiola’s watchful eye.
