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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Josh Challies

Man City youngster Phil Foden compared to Zinedine Zidane by former England man

Former England striker Michael Owen has heaped vast praise upon Manchester City ace Phil Foden, comparing the teenager to Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane.

18-year-old Foden has become a regular member of Pep Guardiola's squad this season, earning a total of 22 appearances across all competitions and scoring six goals - his latest effort coming in the 7-0 drubbing of Schalke in the Champions League.

Impressive displays have seen Foden touted for an England call-up in the near future but he was not selected by Gareth Southgate for the 2020 European Championship qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro, instead remaining with Aidy Boothroyd's U21 squad.

After starting the 1-1 draw with Poland, Foden retained his spot for the stern test against Germany's U21 side at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening and was highlighted as a key player before the match, which led to Owen making his remarkable comparison.

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"When I watch him, it always looks like the ball is on a string. It all appears in one movement, he doesn't even have to look at the ball sometimes - he just runs with it," Owen told BT Sport.

"I was going to mention a name, it will probably make headlines. Zinedine Zidane was exactly like that. When he used to run, it was like the ball was constantly within his control.

"I know Foden is a different type of player but he was almost born to be with the ball. He's lovely to watch with all those different skills."

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