In a recent segment on Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on talkSPORT, former West Ham United and Everton forward Tony Cottee urged Manchester City starlet Phil Foden to seal a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium and said, “I’m frustrated with Phil Foden.
“He is an unbelievable, outstanding young footballer but he’s got to play!
“If you’re sitting on the bench, yes people will say he’s training with the first team, but it’s not the same as playing.
“You have to get the game time and experience. He needs to play. This is a big season for him, and he’s not playing!
“If I was Phil Foden, I would be banging on that door every single week and saying, ‘I want to play and if you’re not going to play me I’m going out on loan’.”
Foden’s Lack Of First-Team Action Is Derailing His Career
Cottee has a valid argument regarding Foden’s current situation at Man City. The English wonderkid has made two appearances for the Citizens this season while playing just 11 minutes of first-team football under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship.
The 19-year-old is a product of the Man City youth system and has all the skillset required to become a future great at the Etihad. However, the lack of first-team opportunities has hampered his progress which is why the youngster needs to consider going out on loan to get more first-team minutes under his belt.
The Stockport-born rising star has featured in 38 matches for his boyhood club, scoring seven goals while creating three assists across all competitions. Foden has also represented England at various youth levels and is currently an integral member of the Three Lions’ U-21 side, having made 11 appearances for them while netting three goals in the process.
What Does The English Sensation Offer On The Field?
Foden is moderately paced, but he still managed to make some driving runs from midfield. He can also link up play well with others around him and is a perfect fit for Guardiola’s brand of possession-based football at the Etihad Stadium. The English prospect has put in some memorable displays for the Citizens last season which is why he will be desperately trying to establish himself as a regular first-team member of Guardiola’s senior team this season.
Does Cottee Have A Point In Terms Of Foden’s Current Status At Man City?
The England U-21 international might be better off going out on loan when the transfer window reopens in January so that he can gain more game time if his situation doesn’t change at Man City in the coming months.
Therefore, we can conclude that Cottee has made some a good point regarding Foden’s current situation in Manchester. The Premier League whizkid should consider leaving the champions of England temporarily so that he can come back as a stronger version of himself next summer.
