Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has issued a warning to Phil Foden after the midfielder’s starring role in Manchester City ’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa.
The 20-year-old was City’s main threat throughout the game at Villa Park and scored the visitors’ crucial equaliser 22 minutes into the contest.
He was heavily involved in starting the move, feeding the ball to Riyad Mahrez in the box, before producing a stunning no-look finish to slot in Bernardo Silva’s cutback.
Foden continued to torment Dean Smith’s side after the break, drawing Villa right-back Matty Cash into making two rash challenges which saw him sent off.
Though traditionally a central midfielder, Foden has also excelled out wide, leading many to call for him to be handed a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team.
If Southgate did hand him a start, it could come at the expense of City team-mate Raheem Sterling, who has endured a disappointing season.
Redknapp is one of those hailing Foden, though warned that it is currently a straight shootout between him and Sterling for an England place.
“He’s almost up against his mate, Raheem Sterling, and he’s got to pick one of them,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“Kane is a certainty, but if you’re going to play him on that side, Sterling at the moment, something is going on.
“He’s in and out of the team, he seems to have fallen out with Pep, but he (Foden) certainly hasn’t.
“I know he hasn’t played as many games, but he’s always involved. Like he did at the weekend where he tried to drag his team to a result against Chelsea, he did the same today.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp made no secret of his love for Foden and tipped him to start Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Tottenham.
“I think he’ll (Foden) start in the final as well,” he said.
“Every time I watch this boy, I’m just more and more impressed. He’s incredible, he’s infectious, his desire to get on the ball.
“He’s an incredible young player in his tender years, but he doesn’t play like that - he makes things happen with his drive and desire.”
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