Aidy Boothroyd has been speaking about Phil Foden – and claimed that the Manchester City No.47 can develop into a superstar.
The 52-year-old made the comment when chatting to talkSPORT.
So, what was said about Phil Foden? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the 23-year-old was given his England Under-21 debut by Boothroyd back in October 2018.
Foden has since won five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups and one UEFA Super Cup, along with two FA Community Shields.
The England international has also scored 62 goals and provided 45 assists in 230 appearances under Pep Guardiola since breaking through at Manchester City.
Despite that, Boothroyd stills thinks Foden has another gear to move into, and believes the Stockport-born wonderkid can develop further into a genuine superstar.
He said: “Phil would be my (choice). They were all really good players but he just ruled. Phil would be the player that I would say could kick on again (and become a superstar). Without a shadow of a doubt.
“For me, he was terrific. He is a wonderful talent. He can play anywhere. He’s a super talented guy.”
Foden is already among the best footballers on the planet, so the fact Boothroyd thinks there is even more to come speaks volumes about the quality Manchester City’s No.47 possesses.
Superstar status for Phil Foden may only come once Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City
It seems strange to say that superstardom may only happen for Foden once Guardiola leaves, as the Spaniard is arguably the best coach around, and has helped develop the England international into a true phenomenom.
However, the 52-year-old often rotates his options in the starting XI.
As a result, Foden has struggled to become a true superstar at the Etihad Stadium and the main man – he made just 22 starts out of a possible 38 in the Premier League last season.
The 23-year-old has also failed to become a key man for England as a result of Guardiola’s frequent rotation, with Gareth Southgate unwilling to make him a regular starter.
Contrastingly, a superstar such as Jude Bellingham is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Real Madrid and England, as he is trusted to start on a weekly basis.
Therefore, it feels as if Foden may have to wait until he receives similar trust before he can become a bonafide superstar too.
