Manchester City youngster Phil Foden is adamant that he is in the right place to develop his game despite his limited first-team minutes this season.
The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal on a rare start for City during their 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Oxford United on Tuesday night.
It was Fodens first start since the 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield in August and he has been restricted to just 29 minutes of action in the Premier League this season.
Despite his rare outings for Pep Guardiolas side, Foden is referred to as the Stockport Iniesta by supporters, although he was quick to play down comparisons with the Barcelona legend.
Speaking after the win over Oxford, Foden said: Im happy with that but come on – Iniesta is on a different planet! For them to call me that is massive, it means a lot.
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Ill just keep getting these cup games and runouts whenever I can and hopefully I can start a lot more games one day. Theres no need to rush.
More: Manchester City FC
Pep knows what hes doing and Ill play at the right time. Hes good at bringing youth players through, hes done it in his career before so just be patient, Im still young and Im still learning.
Training with the likes of David (Silva) and Kevin (De Bruyne) and seeing what they do every day has brought me on as a player and working with Pep as well has been a really big part of my game.
Both him and Mikel (Arteta) have been a massive help. I just have to keep impressing and keep working hard and see where it gets me.
It is easy to see why Foden has garnered comparisons to Iniesta as like the 2010 World Cup winner, as he recycles the ball intelligently and helps link defence to attack with his passes.
Fodens current deal with the club is set to expire in 2020 and while he is keen to extend his stay with his boyhood club, Guardiola will be anxious to get negotiations sorted quickly.
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The City manager said that it is his dream for Foden to be a first-team regular at City for the next decade although he faces a big challenge to establish himself in the clubs midfield.
Renowned for his playmaking qualities and dribbling skills from central midfield, Fodens direct competitors are Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.
Although De Bruyne has been injured this season, Bernardo Silva has been re-modelled as a central midfielder after being utilised in a wide role last season.
Nevertheless, Foden is extremely highly regarded by both City and England, with whom he won the U17 World Cup last year and is tipped to make the grade at the Etihad.
More: Manchester City FC
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Manchester City youngster Phil Foden is adamant that he is in the right place to develop his game despite his limited first-team minutes this season.
The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal on a rare start for City during their 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Oxford United on Tuesday night.
It was Fodens first start since the 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield in August and he has been restricted to just 29 minutes of action in the Premier League this season.
Despite his rare outings for Pep Guardiolas side, Foden is referred to as the Stockport Iniesta by supporters, although he was quick to play down comparisons with the Barcelona legend.
Speaking after the win over Oxford, Foden said: Im happy with that but come on – Iniesta is on a different planet! For them to call me that is massive, it means a lot.
Advertisement Advertisement
Ill just keep getting these cup games and runouts whenever I can and hopefully I can start a lot more games one day. Theres no need to rush.
More: Manchester City FC
Pep knows what hes doing and Ill play at the right time. Hes good at bringing youth players through, hes done it in his career before so just be patient, Im still young and Im still learning.
Training with the likes of David (Silva) and Kevin (De Bruyne) and seeing what they do every day has brought me on as a player and working with Pep as well has been a really big part of my game.
Both him and Mikel (Arteta) have been a massive help. I just have to keep impressing and keep working hard and see where it gets me.
It is easy to see why Foden has garnered comparisons to Iniesta as like the 2010 World Cup winner, as he recycles the ball intelligently and helps link defence to attack with his passes.
Fodens current deal with the club is set to expire in 2020 and while he is keen to extend his stay with his boyhood club, Guardiola will be anxious to get negotiations sorted quickly.
Advertisement Advertisement
The City manager said that it is his dream for Foden to be a first-team regular at City for the next decade although he faces a big challenge to establish himself in the clubs midfield.
Renowned for his playmaking qualities and dribbling skills from central midfield, Fodens direct competitors are Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.
Although De Bruyne has been injured this season, Bernardo Silva has been re-modelled as a central midfielder after being utilised in a wide role last season.
Nevertheless, Foden is extremely highly regarded by both City and England, with whom he won the U17 World Cup last year and is tipped to make the grade at the Etihad.
More: Manchester City FC
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