BBC pundit Garth Crook feels Phil Foden showed against Newcastle United that he can deliver in ways Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne have done for Manchester City.
The England international was the talk of the town after City’s 1-0 win over the Magpies.
Foden operated as a number 10, and proved very difficult for Newcastle’s players to keep tabs on.
He provided the assist for Julian Alvarez to score the game’s only goal.
It was a special performance from Foden, who has since been described as ‘incredible’ by Chris Sutton. Arguably, it was the best individual display by any player against any side in the Premier League so far this season.
This is a big moment for him. Especially with City’s chief creator Kevin De Bruyne being out injured.
But Crooks has faith that Foden can step up…
Garth Crooks believes Phil Foden can deliver like Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne
Foden popped up everywhere for City on Saturday.
It was truly a phenomenal performance from the 23-year-old, and perhaps most impressively, he created seven chances in the match.
In the eyes of Crooks, Foden showed against Newcastle that he is ready to take over the mantles of both Gungodan – now of Barcelona – and De Bruyne.
He said (BBC Sport): “In the absence of the departed Ilkay Gundogan and the injured De Bruyne, it needed someone like Foden to step up and make the difference. The ball for Alvarez to score was done without so much as a glance.
“It was as though Foden instinctively knew where his strike partner was and what was required. The big question for Foden is can he deliver what Gundogan and De Bruyne have delivered for Guardiola without them.
“His performance against Newcastle was of the highest standard and suggests he can, but winning trophies has never been easy. I suppose the Super Cup is not a bad way to start.”
Foden is the answer for City with De Bruyne sidelined
Foden’s performance in the 10 role was hugely encouraging.
The 23-year-old was unplayable at times against Newcastle, and Crooks is right to suggest he can deliver for City like Gundogan used to and De Bruyne does when he is fit.
There is pressure now for him to step up.
But you also get the feeling that he has been itching for this kind of chance, and that he won’t let anyone down.
