Phil Foden - What Is His Potential?

[izec]

He got doubled on by Croatia yesterday after hitting the post.

Grealish is better and i would play him over Foden, but to me they can and should rotate anyway. So much talent needs to be used (including Sancho as well)

 

[adexkola]

KDB won Player of the year... but okay.

He is in a team which is winning the league, he is 21 and done literally nothing in the game.

People need to relax overhyping players.

Undeserved. In his own team there were better players. I think our Bruno had a stronger case.

KDB was better last season, and fully deserved the POTY award then.

He definitely wasn't better than Cancelo come on... Same with De Bruyne. He scored a few more goals as he played as a forward. They both missed large parts of the season, De bruyne through injury, Foden from warming the bench.

What Foden has going for him is "he's the young new kid on the block" so all the ineffective games are ignored while if KdB doesn't do magic every game then it's a shit game from him. That's literally the difference. There's no way he had a better season than De Bruyne, but especially Cancelo who was brilliant all year.

Cancelo's form had a strong dip later on in the season. KDB was out injured as you recall... I'm not sure how long Foden was on the bench given that by midpoint in the season he was a firm part of the starting XI

And he's had inconsistent games of course, and of course KDB's highest level blows Foden out of the water.

 

[The holy trinity 68]

Get him central, swap Mount out for Grealish, have them both linking up together and we'll be on our way. Preferably in a 4-3-3 with Sterling and one of Rashford/Sancho out wide, but even in a 4-3-2-1 it should still produce the goods.

On the way to not winning another tournament.

 

[bosnian_red]

Undeserved. In his own team there were better players. I think our Bruno had a stronger case.

KDB was better last season, and fully deserved the POTY award then.



Cancelo's form had a strong dip later on in the season. KDB was out injured as you recall... I'm not sure how long Foden was on the bench given that by midpoint in the season he was a firm part of the starting XI

And he's had inconsistent games of course, and of course KDB's highest level blows Foden out of the water.

De Bruyne played 400 minutes more than Foden over the season (Foden had 3 appearances more, 17 starts, 11 subs, De Bruyne and 25 starts and 3 subs). Greenwood had 200 minutes more this season, 300 fewer last season as an example. Foden was a bit part player for most of it but had a few notable big games (Liverpool & Arsenal away) before becoming a starter at the end of the season.

Agree that KdB didn't deserve POTY at all though, Kane was ridiculous for Spurs even if they were shit but for City Dias, Gundogan and Cancelo were the top 3 IMO. KdB won it because of his name more than his premier league season.

 

[Yagami]

On the way to not winning another tournament.

On our way to producing some fun footy!

 

[adexkola]

De Bruyne played 400 minutes more than Foden over the season (Foden had 3 appearances more, 17 starts, 11 subs, De Bruyne and 25 starts and 3 subs). Greenwood had 200 minutes more this season, 300 fewer last season as an example. Foden was a bit part player for most of it but had a few notable big games (Liverpool & Arsenal away) before becoming a starter at the end of the season.

Agree that KdB didn't deserve POTY at all though, Kane was ridiculous for Spurs even if they were shit but for City Dias, Gundogan and Cancelo were the top 3 IMO. KdB won it because of his name more than his premier league season.

Ah, must be recency bias then on my part, had the impression that Foden played more.

I think for City, Dias and Gundogan as the standout performers of the season. Then you have a pool of important players who had periods of brilliance at certain times. KDB, Cancelo, Foden belong in that pool with a few others.

 

[sincher]

Hes definitely a top talent, I'm not saying otherwise. I'm saying he isn't a better player than Grealish, Rashford, or Sancho (or Sterling if he is in normal form) as of now. And it's really hard to understand any logic of him being a better talent than Sancho considering they are the same age, and Sancho has been tearing up the Bundesliga since 18 and beats him (and most in the world) when it comes to dribbling, passing and has excellent goalscoring stats himself. It's a question of ... what exactly is Foden better at than Sancho, other than being currently overhyped because he plays in the prem and had half a good season vs Sancho being brilliant for 3 years already.

The type of player he is right now, he should be an impact sub like Greenwood should be for United. He's on the periphery of games far too often. Start him in the easier game, leave him to be a wildcard from the bench in the bigger games. He's capable of great moments but isn't a great player yet, nor a top one yet. When England have 4 genuinely brilliant wide players who each has proven themselves one way or another (and are all relatively young still), there's no way Foden should be in that starting 11. It's the same overhyping as Arteta got because Pep talked him up. Expecting him to run the game with how he actually plays right now is asking for failure as he's not capable of that yet. Maybe in the future. But not yet, and the others are at least equally brilliant players or greater even so they should be ahead of him.

It is true that we are a little spoilt for choice and I wouldn't have any beef with Grealish, Rashford or Sancho being picked ahead of him, but I would pick Foden based on all current factors. To say there is 'no way' it should happen is actually ridiculous.

 

[The holy trinity 68]

On our way to producing some fun footy!

That's what we always say.

 

[DoneDaDa]

Yep for sure. Grealish has to be the key guy between the midfield and attack for England, and yet I get the feeling that Southgate and others see Foden as that guy which is a bit crazy to me. He's good... but he's not on the same level as Grealish. Sancho as well. If Foden did even close to what Sancho has been doing for Dortmund they'd literally be calling him to get the Ballon D'Or. Rashford supposedly had a bad season while being injured for a lot of the year, but had both more goals and assists than Foden (despite playing for Ole and United vs Foden playing for Pep and City). He's not some other worldly talent, and there's probably 4 players for the wide positions who should be ahead of him for England.

Its true that Foden does get overhyped, but your equally overhyping Sancho and Grealish. If I'm not mistaken Grealish and Southgate worked with each other in the under 17 or 18 team, yet Southgate just recently called him up to the senior team (he has 7 apps for England and he's almost 26), when he started becoming a better footballer in the past 2 years, barely did anyone hear about him, reminds me of James Maddison hype yet he's nowhere near this squad today. Sancho has done well in Germany as well, but he hasn't performed well for England he has made 19 apps compared to Foden who made his 7, and Sancho has only scored 3 goals, if you and other thought Foden performance was poor, Sancho against Romania was even worse then this. Neither him or Foden deserve to be starters over the other imo. The reality is Southgate or any English manager probably won't be able to get the best out of these players, unless England can convince Pep, Klopp or even Tuchel to manage them, this will be another wasted generation imo. The game against Croatia wasn't just Foden but all the players looked unsure and didn't know what they were doing other then being pragmatic, when they had far better talent and quality. I can also see why he may prefer Foden for the time being and its probably due to the fact Stones, Sterling and Walker are starters and along with Foden they play club football together, so he may hope there chemistry may help him going forward.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I marvel that there are people out here actually thinking a Sancho "better than Foden" because he was tearing the bundesliga at 18. Yet Sancho left a City because he has not the patience nor desire to prove to Guardiola he was ready to play for his best team regularly.

Foden did. The notion Sancho has progressed faster to first team football purely due to superior talent is built on extremely false premises.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

He definitely wasn't better than Cancelo come on... Same with De Bruyne. He scored a few more goals as he played as a forward. They both missed large parts of the season, De bruyne through injury, Foden from warming the bench.

What Foden has going for him is "he's the young new kid on the block" so all the ineffective games are ignored while if KdB doesn't do magic every game then it's a shit game from him. That's literally the difference. There's no way he had a better season than De Bruyne, but especially Cancelo who was brilliant all year.

de bruyne's season for city last season is so over hyped it's untrue. Dias, Cancelo and Gundogan all had superior seasons to him.

 

[cyberman]

I marvel that there are people out here actually thinking a Sancho "better than Foden" because he was tearing the bundesliga at 18. Yet Sancho left a City because he has not the patience nor desire to prove to Guardiola he was ready to play for his best team regularly.

Foden did. The notion Sancho has progressed faster to first team football purely due to superior talent is built on extremely false premises.

I disagree. you really have to show it. Foden is 21 and he is still in teetering on the can he nail down a starting spot position at City. It cam be argued Foden is still not a regular starter throughout a season for City and with Grealish linked, he might still not be next year.
On the other hand you have Sancho becoming one of the best wide men in the world by 21.

 

[Giggsyking]

I marvel that there are people out here actually thinking a Sancho "better than Foden" because he was tearing the bundesliga at 18. Yet Sancho left a City because he has not the patience nor desire to prove to Guardiola he was ready to play for his best team regularly.

Foden did. The notion Sancho has progressed faster to first team football purely due to superior talent is built on extremely false premises.

Sancho was already one of the best players in Germany 2 seasons ago. While Foden was still getting 5 min in a meaningless cup game. You are comparing one good half season Foden to 3 excellent/good seasons Sancho?

 

[Bebestation]

I disagree. you really have to show it. Foden is 21 and he is still in teetering on the can he nail down a starting spot position at City. It cam be argued Foden is still not a regular starter throughout a season for City and with Grealish linked, he might still not be next year.
On the other hand you have Sancho becoming one of the best wide men in the world by 21.

Well the same can be said about Sancho isnt it?

He has to prove he is good enough for a club like United - and after a 80milion pound transfer he cant exactly just be a good squad player either.

Dortmund is a club that would give a chance for my unborn son and everone elses to go and play his football.

He isnt one of the best wide men of the world because he dominated world football - he is regarded one of the best due to him being seen as one of the best of the bundesliga.

The same can be said for Bellingham, looks a fantastic player at 17 absolutely bossing it in Germany.

However, you cannot say that is comparable to a Man city youngster who was a reason his club was PL champion and a managers poor decision away from being a CL champion.

 

[harms]

Dortmund is a club that would give a chance for my unborn son and everone elses to go and play his football.

Which one is he again? They’re not giving chances to all youngsters, they’re giving chances to extremely talented youngster last (more willingly than any other club in the world probably).

However, you cannot say that is comparable for a Man city youngster who was a reason his club was PL champion

Foden was the reason behind City’s title win? What?

Edit: he actually would’ve been a crucial part of their CL campaign if they were, well, to win it, but he’s certainly not been their best/most influential player in the league. Dias & Gündogan are some significant distance ahead of him and you can argue for Cancelo, De Bruyne, Mahrez and even Stones to be more (or, at least, just as) important for City’s domestic dominance.

 

[Bebestation]

Which one is he again? They’re not giving chances to all youngsters, they’re giving chances to extremely talented youngster last (more willingly than any other club in the world probably).


Foden was the reason behind City’s title win? What?

A reason - not the reason.

 

[harms]

A reason - not the reason.

As was Eric García then.

 

[Bebestation]

As was Eric García then.

I mean Foden apparently had 3 goals scored in the CL this year - a competition they got to the final of. 14 goals/assists in 28 games - one involvement in every 2 games in arguably the most quality dense/competitive league.

Im not saying that Sancho can’t be better than Foden - but I personally would wait until he has a go in the PL first away from his Dortmund team and the bundesliga.

 

[Yagami]

That's what we always say.

Has to happen eventually, right?

Gazza lead us in toying with Holland in 96. I think a combo of Grealish and Foden would have us playing top level stuff against any opponent like Gazza inspired back then. In my opinion, Grealish especially has that leader aura about him in which he alone can elevate a team.

 

[cyberman]

Well the same can be said about Sancho isnt it?

He has to prove he is good enough for a club like United - and after a 80milion pound transfer he cant exactly just be a good squad player either.

Dortmund is a club that would give a chance for my unborn son and everone elses to go and play his football.

He isnt one of the best wide men of the world because he dominated world football - he is regarded one of the best due to him being seen as one of the best of the bundesliga.

The same can be said for Bellingham, looks a fantastic player at 17 absolutely bossing it in Germany.

However, you cannot say that is comparable to a Man city youngster who was a reason his club was PL champion and a managers poor decision away from being a CL champion.

But Foden hasnt been been a constant part of this season, has he been a starter for half the games?
Sancho has literally been a starter for one of the most exciting sides in Europe. Putting up numbers that better than current KDB, being the first player to reach 15 goals and 15 assists in a bundeliga season etc. Its ridculous to equate that to sitting on the bench for City behind Bernardo Silva and a misfiring Sterling. Sancho is every bit of a playmaker as Foden. He creates more, scores more and is a constant match winner.
Its such a lop sided comparsion thats its mind bogging how there is one.
Sancho is one of the best youngsters in world football and there was a meltdown last year because of that. We were told every top side would be in for him for a reason. Now we are going to sign them theres all these sudden doubts and downplaying of his abilities. Its a grass is always greener elsewhere attitude that is seeping into our fanbase that is makibg is staggeringly insecure.
This conversation didnt happen last year for a reason.

 

[romufc]

However, you cannot say that is comparable to a Man city youngster who was a reason his club was PL champion and a managers poor decision away from being a CL champion.

Foden was the reason City are PL champions? Are you having a laugh right now? The team that has won 3/4 PL titles ?

 

[Bebestation]

Foden was the reason City are PL champions? Are you having a laugh right now? The team that has won 3/4 PL titles ?

A reason and not the reason.

 

[Sphaero]

Dortmund is a club that would give a chance for my unborn son and everone elses to go and play his football.

Perhaps a chance, but certainly not unlimited patience or a guarantue to play regularily.

There is this ongoing myth that Borussia Dortmund completely doubles down on playing youngsters no matter the results and thus attracts top level talents. A lack of fear to throw in very young players and a lot of experience in talent development which leads to a certain amount of patience to see them develop does not mean that it is easy to become a regular starter at Dortmund as a talent. Ultimatively they need to earn that right by performing on a standart needed to bring Dortmund the results they need to statisfy the expectations that exist for that club.

People just focus on the talents that made it big at Dortmund like Sancho, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi or Jude Bellingham but forget talents like Alexander Isak, Mikel Merino, Emre Mor or Leonardo Balerdi (all highly rated in terms of potential) who never truly made the cut and went on to smaller clubs to develop.

Jadon Sancho was not an undisputed starter for three years because he was young or has a very high performance ceiling. Jadon Sancho played pretty much every game possible because the guy averaged a goal or assist every 89 minutes in his first full season, which he by now pushed down to the low 80s, making him one of the most productive offensive midfielder in Europe.

People like to disregard these numbers because they come from the Bundesliga, an inferior league, that is often described as defensively leaky by outside fans, but especially in the comparision with Foden this holds very little weight, because while Foden might play in the tougher league, he also plays in an even more offensive minded and certainly more stacked team. In the three full seasons Sancho spend at Dortmund, City actually scored slightly more goals on average (2,45 vs. 2,35) than Dortmund.

As result Foden might find it harder to start compared to Sancho, but if he plays he has an absolute elite group of players around him to play with. Foden never had to do creative heavy lifting on a similar level as Sancho did in his second and third season. He also has not reached the same level of productivity as Sancho with 26 goals/assists in 3370 minutes in all competitions last season. Sancho did not only outscore him by 10 goals/assists, he did that with around 400 minutes less play time (he actually struggled a bit with injuries and form).

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Perhaps a chance, but certainly not unlimited patience or a guarantue to play regularily.

There is this ongoing myth that Borussia Dortmund completely doubles down on playing youngsters no matter the results and thus attracts top level talents. A lack of fear to throw in very young players and a lot of experience in talent development which leads to a certain amount of patience to see them develop does not mean that it is easy to become a regular starter at Dortmund as a talent. Ultimatively they need to earn that right by performing on a standart needed to bring Dortmund the results they need to statisfy the expectations that exist for that club.

People just focus on the talents that made it big at Dortmund like Sancho, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi or Jude Bellingham but forget talents like Alexander Isak, Mikel Merino, Emre Mor or Leonardo Balerdi (all highly rated in terms of potential) who never truly made the cut and went on to smaller clubs to develop.

Jadon Sancho was not an undisputed starter for three years because he was young or has a very high performance ceiling. Jadon Sancho played pretty much every game possible because the guy averaged a goal or assist every 89 minutes in his first full season, which he by now pushed down to the low 80s, making him one of the most productive offensive midfielder in Europe.

People like to disregard these numbers because they come from the Bundesliga, an inferior league, that is often described as defensively leaky by outside fans, but especially in the comparision with Foden this holds very little weight, because while Foden might play in the tougher league, he also plays in an even more offensive minded and certainly more stacked team. In the three full seasons Sancho spend at Dortmund, City actually scored slightly more goals on average (2,45 vs. 2,35) than Dortmund.

As result Foden might find it harder to start compared to Sancho, but if he plays he has an absolute elite group of players around him to play with. Foden never had to do creative heavy lifting on a similar level as Sancho did in his second and third season. He also has not reached the same level of productivity as Sancho with 26 goals/assists in 3370 minutes in all competitions last season. Sancho did not only outscore him by 10 goals/assists, he did that with around 400 minutes less play time (he actually struggled a bit with injuries and form).

Totally agree. While one can argue that playing in the Bundesliga inflates numbers but not compared to playing for City. Foden's performances cannot be compared to Sancho's yet. The latter has been setting records for a young player in the Bundesliga, whereas Foden has not done any such thing. He's been good not freakishly good like Sancho, yet.

 

[bsCallout]

There was talk about him already being better than Gazza. He is over hyped to the max.

However, he is a talented player that you'd expect is going to be a really top player.

He has been protected a lot by Pep and City. I find it ridiculous to talk a kid up that much who isn't dealing with the presures of starting week in week out yet. Some claiming he's one of the best in the world. You'd better be starting regularly to get that sort of acknowledgement.

I think the protection will benefit him in the long run too. I just think the overhyping of him has been way OTT and premature.

 

[bsCallout]

There was talk about him already being better than Gazza. He is over hyped to the max.

However, he is a talented player that you'd expect is going to be a really top player.

He has been protected a lot by Pep and City. I find it ridiculous to talk a kid up that much who isn't dealing with the presures of starting week in week out yet. Some claiming he's one of the best in the world. You'd better be starting regularly to get that sort of acknowledgement.

I think the protection will benefit him in the long run too. I just think the overhyping of him has been way OTT and premature.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Sancho was already one of the best players in Germany 2 seasons ago. While Foden was still getting 5 min in a meaningless cup game.

I've clearly explained why already.

You are comparing one good half season Foden to 3 excellent/good seasons Sancho?

Rather I'm comparing a player who had the patience and determination to stay at City and prove to Guardiola he deserved a place in his XI on merit. To a player who didn't and chose to get regular time at a lower level without having to prove to Guardiola he was worthy of a place in his team. It's that simple.


Anyone trying to claim Sancho is 'better" off of his running to Dortmund for first team football. Over staying and fighting for a place amongst steep competion like Foden did is plain not serious.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Well the same can be said about Sancho isnt it?

He has to prove he is good enough for a club like United - and after a 80milion pound transfer he cant exactly just be a good squad player either.

Dortmund is a club that would give a chance for my unborn son and everone elses to go and play his football.

He isnt one of the best wide men of the world because he dominated world football - he is regarded one of the best due to him being seen as one of the best of the bundesliga.

The same can be said for Bellingham, looks a fantastic player at 17 absolutely bossing it in Germany.

However, you cannot say that is comparable to a Man city youngster who was a reason his club was PL champion and a managers poor decision away from being a CL champion.

Yes it's not comparable because Sancho's level of performances have been much greater. Foden has been very good for City but he has not reached Sancho's level who has been one of Europe's most productive attackers in recent years. At 19-21.

 

[bsCallout]

I've clearly explained why already.

Rather I'm comparing a player who had the patience and determination to stay at City and prove to Guardiola he deserved a place in his XI on merit. To a player who didn't and chose to get regular time at a lower level without having to prove to Guardiola he was worthy of a place in his team. It's that simple.


Anyone trying to claim Sancho is 'better" off of his running to Dortmund for first team football. Over staying and fighting for a place amongst steep competion like Foden did is plain not serious.

He's not better because he ran off, he's better because he's proving it week in week out.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I disagree. you really have to show it.

Foden has. He has forced Guardiola to start picking and relying on him consistently

Foden is 21 and he is still in teetering on the can he nail down a starting spot position at City.

Teetering my foot. Foden is now a regular. Either a starter or first off the bench. Just like a Sancho at Dortmund. The ONLY reason Sancho had been at it longer is being at Dortmund competing with fellow kids. Why Foden was trying to beat off men and guardiola's standards to get a first team slot.

It can be argued Foden is still not a regular starter throughout a season for City and with Grealish linked, he might still not be next year.....

Or it can also be argued Foden has impressed so much this year. He will be the designated Aguero replacement from next season. Backed by Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres. With Grealish being brought to take his former place as winger and Bernardo Silva competition. So that's neither here nor there. Just pure speculation.....

On the other hand you have Sancho becoming one of the best wide men in the world by 21.

Strictly because he has had 3 years of regular first team football and has proved himself accordingly. Not by ANY means because he is actually better than a Foden. As the current national team pecking order between the 2 shows.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

He's not better because he ran off, he's better because he's proving it week in week out.

Wrong. He seems better because he run off to a place that could allow him to show every week how good he is as a player.


Foden did not. He took the path twice as hard. To claim he is the worse player because of it is laughable in the extreme.

 

[bsCallout]

Wrong. He seems better because he run off to a place that could allow him to show every week how good he is as a player.


Foden did not. He took the path twice as had. To claim he is the worse player because of it is laughable in the extreme.

Foden has been protected beyond belief. Don't make out it's the 'hard' route. It's much harder going to a foreign country, challenging for the league and playing week in week out in both the league and CL.

Sancho has proven what he can do at this level week in week out. Foden still hasn't even been starting regularly at 21.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Totally agree. While one can argue that playing in the Bundesliga inflates numbers but not compared to playing for City. Foden's performances cannot be compared to Sancho's yet. The latter has been setting records for a young player in the Bundesliga, whereas Foden has not done any such thing. He's been good not freakishly good like Sancho, yet.

Do you seriously and honestly believe Foden playing regularly for a Dortmund wouldn't be "freakishly good" with his numbers?

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Foden has been protected beyond belief. Don't make out it's the 'hard' route. It's much harder going to a foreign country, challenging for the league and playing week in week out in both the league and CL.....

There is ZERO protection in being forced to wait for a starting place when you are good enough to play talent wise. Yet ahead of you are world class players and a manager who is insisting "you wait your turn", regardless of that said talent you possess.


A Sancho left because he felt he was not keen on waiting with such odds against him. Foden stayed to fight for his place IN SPITE of the same odds against him.

To then claim a Sancho is some how "better" and his path "harder" because he sort easier to attain first team football because it was on foreign soil is disingenuous.

 

[8thWonder]

I've clearly explained why already.

Rather I'm comparing a player who had the patience and determination to stay at City and prove to Guardiola he deserved a place in his XI on merit. To a player who didn't and chose to get regular time at a lower level without having to prove to Guardiola he was worthy of a place in his team. It's that simple.


Anyone trying to claim Sancho is 'better" off of his running to Dortmund for first team football. Over staying and fighting for a place amongst steep competion like Foden did is plain not serious.

I think both approaches should be praised surely? I wish more youngsters went out and got first team football earlier to be honest.

There's no right way or wrong way is there, its all about game time and at 21 both are doing brilliantly.

You can't seriously be critizing players for leaving a club who have/had no recent history of giving youngsters a chance can you? It's not about believing in yourself and fighting, it's about believing in yourself, getting game time and beliving that oppurtunities will come off the back off that. It's irrelevant if that's your current club or another isn't it?

It's like critisizing De Bruyne and Salah for leaving Chelsea. Or Declan Rice more recently.

 

[cyberman]

Foden has. He has forced Guardiola to start picking and relying on him consistently

Teetering my foot. Foden is now a regular. Either a starter or first off the bench. Just like a Sancho at Dortmund. The ONLY reason Sancho had been at it longer is being at Dortmund competing with fellow kids. Why Foden was trying to beat off men and guardiola's standards to get a first team slot.


Or it can also be argued Foden has impressed so much this year. He will be the designated Aguero replacement from next season. Backed by Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres. With Grealish being brought to take his former place as winger and Bernardo Silva competition. So that's neither here nor there. Just pure speculation.....


Strictly because he has had 3 years of regular first team football and has proved himself accordingly. Not by ANY means because he is actually better than a Foden. As the current national team pecking order between the 2 shows.

Is he a regular starter or only starting because Sterling is stupidly out of form? And is that why Pep is looking at Grealish for his position?
Foden had 17 starts in the league last year. 17. Almost as many sub appearances in 11 as starts. At what point is he a consistent starter?
Sancho gambled on his ability and we are seeing the rewards. Foden accepting this drip style development comes with consequences and those consequences are being less proven at the senior level. Its a massive leap of faith to put that up against one of the most productive players in all of Europe never mind as a teenager /early twenties.
Aguero replacement as City are after Kane, Lukaku or Sancho? Where has proof of this Foden trust be found? They nearly signed Messi last year!

 

[bsCallout]

There is ZERO protection in being forced to wait for a starting place when you are good enough to play talent wise. Yet ahead of you are world class players and a manager who is insisting "you wait your turn", regardless of that said talent you possess.


A Sancho left because he felt he was not keen on waiting with such odds against him. Foden stayed to fight for his place IN SPITE of the same odds against him.

To then claim a Sancho is some how "better" and his path "harder" because he sort easier to attain first team football because it was on foreign soil is disingenuous.

Not sure disengenious was the word you were looking for.

Foden has been protected by not having to deal with the pressure of playing week in, week out. Not only that but the physical benefits with regards to being fresh cannot be ignored.

On the other hand, a young lad decided he wanted to prove himself in a foreign country, away from any protection, playing against men week in week out, and then showing it on the CL stage also. Putting up some of the best numbers in the world.

Foden is the most protected young player I think we've seen. You know what they say, "if they are good enough, they're old enough". Apparently doesn't apply to Foden.

Foden stayed at the club he supports after coming through the academy. Loved by everyone. Protected by all. I'm not sure that's a particularly difficult path to take.

And I've not said Sancho is better, but one has proven their level, the other hasnt even been a regular starter yet.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I think both approaches should be praised surely? I wish more youngsters went out and got first team football earlier to be honest.

There's no right way or wrong way is there, its all about game time and at 21 both are doing brilliantly.

Exactly! I don't get why either path should be used as a stick to beat the other player and claim this 'one is the better one'.

I'm personally pleased to see both on the path to fulfilling their undoubted potential as adults. For one what they did at age group level was a true preview of things to come

You can't seriously be critizing players for leaving a club who have/had no recent history of giving youngsters a chance can you?

I'm not. I'm actually criticizing ANYONE claiming that player is the 'proven superior one' just because they took that path and the other just as talented player didn't.

It's not about believing in yourself and fighting, it's about believing in yourself, getting game time and beliving that oppurtunities will come off the back off that. It's irrelevant if that's your current club or another isn't it?

I agree. I wont knock Sancho for leaving City. Jut like I refuse to knock Foden for staying in spite of the odds. To me, I think he took the tougher gamble. I'm just happy its panning out for him now too.

It's like critisizing De Bruyne and Salah for leaving Chelsea. Or Declan Rice more recently.

bingo.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Is he a regular starter or only starting because Sterling is stupidly out of form? And is that why Pep is looking at Grealish for his position?
Foden had 17 starts in the league last year. 17. Almost as many sub appearances in 11 as starts. At what point is he a consistent starter?
Sancho gambled on his ability and we are seeing the rewards. Foden accepting this drip style development comes with consequences and those consequences are being less proven at the senior level. Its a massive leap of faith to put that up against one of the most productive players in all of Europe never mind as a teenager /early twenties.
Aguero replacement as City are after Kane, Lukaku or Sancho? Where has proof of this Foden trust be found? They nearly signed Messi last year!

Sterling and Bernardo Silva are looking to leave City so I‘d imagine that Grealish will be to replace one of them. Pep says that Foden’s long term position will be in midfield but he’s still learning. I don’t think if Grealish signs it will be to replace Foden.

As for Sancho and Foden, they’re both at the same level of potential for me.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Not sure disengenious was the word you were looking for.

Foden has been protected by not having to deal with the pressure of playing week in, week out. Not only that but the physical benefits with regards to being fresh cannot be ignored.

Disingenuous is precisely the word I need. Because some like you insist on painting Foden staying at City, training the same hours and insisting on fighting for a starting place against the odds of:
i. a team packed with world class seniors even on the bench
ii. a team with a recent history of no longer having a clear first team path for youngsters
ii. A manager with no belief in trusting talented youngsters in the deep end (which is why exactly a Sancho left)
as negative. a.k.a ' protection from responsibility at best, a lack of ambition at worst. Its 100% disingenuous.