Phil Foden has expanded on how David Silva is helping improve his game at Manchester City, as he prepares to step up when the popular Spaniard departs the Etihad.
Silva will leave City at the end of the season after an incredible ten year spell, with Foden widely considered his natural successor. Since the Premier League restart, Foden has been given more responsibility in the first team and put in some brilliant showings alongside Silva.
As Foden's performances gain more attention, the 20-year-old discussed how Silva deserves plenty of credit for his recent form for his help on the training pitch to set the standards for professionalism, game management and decision-making on the ball.
Foden told BT Sport: "He’s a great player and also a great person off the pitch. He’s always helping everyone out, with the young ones like Tommy [Doyle] now, he’s always putting an arm round him and helping him out.
"Just learning from him every day, how he is as a person, how professional he is before games: you can only be better for it. He’s got to be up there [with the Premier League greats]; top 3 at least.
"His game management, when to attack and when to keep the ball, these things that young players need to work on. Sometimes you can be a bit rash with your decision making. He’s definitely helped me with that.
"Like when you see him in the 80th minute and you see how he drops a bit deeper and keeps the ball if you need to control a game. Just these little details help massively."
Foden is considered the player to succeed Silva, but the no.47 insists he must earn Silva's place and won't take anything for granted.
He continued: "People are saying I could take his position: it’s a massive responsibility. But we’ll see how it goes next year.
"I’ve got to keep playing well and earn it. It doesn’t come easy, you don’t just get the shirt like that. Hopefully, I can do it. I feel I’ve needed to grow up quick in this team and be a man. Because if I’m going to get any opportunity I need to learn the physical side."
Read the full interview on btsport.com. Watch Arsenal v Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday from 19:00 on BT Sport 1
