Phil Foden looks different to those at Manchester City that see him every week.
The Stockport starlet has impressed since the restart of the Premier League, coming off the bench against Arsenal to claim an assist before turning in a man-of-the match performance against Burnley with two goals and an assist.
Club ambassador Mike Summerbee noted in his programme notes that Foden has "grown up now - he's a man, not a boy" and has backed him to be a first team regular next season.
Foden may break into Pep Guardiola's side sooner than that if he can keep up the level of performance that he has shown in his last two appearances, and the departure of David Silva should provide further opportunities going forward. The 20-year-old has long been earmarked as the Spaniard's successor and will get his chance to take that spot in the team.
However, as Foden has developed it has become apparent that he is not a like-for-like replacement for Silva. Guardiola has used the youngster on the wings this season, and spoke after the Burnley game about his knack for goals - something Silva has never really shown.
"The good players play everywhere," said the manager. "The players who understand the game, what they have to do in every single moment and every action, can play everywhere and Phil is one - especially up front. He is not a winger winger but he can play [there]. He won the [U17] World Cup with England playing right winger so he can play in that position, he can play in every position but I like him playing close to the box.
"He has something special with his sense for goal. It is not easy to find wingers with a sense for goals. He scored in the last game, he scored in this game, he made an incredible assist, he made a pass to Sergio for the penalty. Always when he is close to the box he gives something and we can count on him."
