Izzy Christiansen was left seriously impressed by Manchester City attacker Phil Foden during his side’s 3-0 win against Urawa Red Diamonds.
When quizzed about which player she enjoyed watching the most in Tuesday’s clash, the pundit singled Foden out during City’s official full-time show on their YouTube channel.
Izzy Christiansen says Phil Foden has “world-class attributes” after Manchester City beat Urawa Red Diamonds
The 23-year-old started the Club World Cup semi-final as an out-and-out right-winger.
But later in the first half, the Englishman was moved into a central role for Pep Guardiola’s men, akin to a false nine.
Izzy Christiansen lauded Phil Foden, who she believes stood out for Manchester City against Urawa Red Diamonds.
She briefly analysed Rodri’s importance when playing alongside the Stockport-born midfielder, saying, “I thought [Phil] Foden was brilliant in the first half, coming into that central pocket and when you’ve got a player like Rodri who’s getting on the half-turn, he’s either playing sideways to [John] Stones who’s normally coming infield or [Matheus] Nunes was dropping, [Mateo] Kovacic was in there but what Rodri does is puts quite a lot of disguise on the pass and he’s quite comfortable.”
Izzy Christiansen pinpointed that Phil Foden could become a world-class player in her analysis as Manchester City cruised past Urawa Red Diamonds.
“And I think Joleon [Lescott] was saying it and I totally agree, with Foden’s ability, not just at Man City but in world football at receiving the ball on the turn or on the move, it’s a real skill, it’s so difficult to do and that again is what separates players from being a good No.10 to a world-class No.10.”
“Foden’s got world-class attributes to his game, I still think he needs more games to keep going, keep going and he will be in that bracket in no time at all but yeah, Foden first half, brilliant”, she said on City’s official full-time show on their YouTube channel.
Phil Foden was terrific once again
Izzy Christiansen is especially correct when emphasising that it was when Phil Foden shifted into a more central position for Manchester City that he came alive against Urawa Red Diamonds.
The five-time Premier League winner, who was quite isolated on the flank started to get the ball far more often and instantly, he started to be a nuisance for the opposition.
Especially with his dribbling and close control, as Phil Foden danced past a series of defenders on several occasions.
It seemed like the game started to go through Foden, who was the heartbeat of the Sky Blues’ attacks, especially during the first half of the contest.
Phil Foden’s technical genius was on show once again, as he looked at ease whenever in possession, be it in advanced areas or when he dropped deeper to pick up the ball.
Foden continues to put in consistent performances, game in and game out for the treble-winners this season.
