Paul Merson has said that Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
The Englishman is in the midst of one of his best Premier League campaigns in Pep Guardiola’s side, having equalled his best goal contributions record in 26 games (nine goals, five assists).
Having been such a prominent figure in City’s team this season, the 23-year-old has found himself on the end of some significant praise from one particular pundit who doesn’t feel that Foden gets enough recognition.
Merson raves over ‘world-class’ Foden
Speaking on Soccer Saturday (via @SkySportsPL), Merson had this to say about Foden.
He said: “I think he’s outstanding. I think he’ll be the best in the world, 100%. [He’s] not far off it now on his day.
“On his day, I think he’s world-class. We have to get him in the England team, he’s not a sure thing of starting in the England team.
“I think he’s unbelievable, he does everything right. He runs without the ball, he runs with the ball, he can play in loads of positions, top players can play anywhere. He’s world-class, I think he’s world-class now.
“I don’t think he gets anywhere near the credit and the accolades he should get. I think he’s top draw, I’m a big fan, I could sit and watch him every day of the week, he is, I’d say he’s one of the best players in the world now, in my opinion.”
With 26 league games under his belt, the England international has racked up the highest number of carries into the final third of the pitch (66) in the City squad, as well as the second-highest total of shot-creating actions (105) and goal-creating actions (13).
His overall league performances have earned Foden a strong season rating of 7.38/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest-rated player at City behind Rodri (7.58/10) and Erling Haaland (7.43/10).
This makes it easy to see why Merson has been so full of praise for the City star and his efforts this season.
In terms of Merson feeling that Foden doesn’t get enough recognition, we feel that this won’t be the case if he keeps delivering goal contributions and ends up helping his side win the Premier League title.
