Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has explained why Man City playmaker Phil Foden already looks like a 'senior professional' at this early stage in his career.
Foden has taken his game to another level of late, shown by his starring role in the 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier this month.
The 20-year-old was on the bench for the subsequent loss at Southampton but started once again at home to Newcastle United tonight.
BT Sport's pre-match coverage of the contest naturally included heaps of praise for the midfielder and Ferdinand analysed what areas of Foden's game are ever-improving.
He told BT Sport: “This kid’s a phenomenal talent. We’ve been waiting a long time for him to come into the fold. The kid’s come in - he’s scoring goals, he’s creating chances.
"He’s great at getting in the pockets behind the opposing midfielders. Then it’s about decision making, he drives with the ball, he’s a fantastic dribbler. His decision making is that of a senior professional with the way he’s playing at the moment. He’s making the right decisions at the right times."
Former Newcastle United star Jermaine Jenas was also on the pre-match coverage and said that England have been desperate for years for a player like Foden.
Jenas added: “I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves for other things in his game. I think the creative elements come so naturally to him.
"He sees things other people can’t see and the weight of pass is there. He’s got an eye for goal already. But the energy he brings to the table for that Manchester City side, I think is amazing.
"He makes long bursting runs to get himself into the box. I think that’s why he finds himself picking up the goals he is doing. Pep is going to be consistently asking him (to do that).
"As well as getting on the ball and dictating play, he’s only going to be given more and more responsibility in a City shirt and an England shirt. For England fans, it’s so exciting to see - we’ve been desperate for someone like him for years."
