Phil Foden and Manchester City may have lost their first Champions League final over the weekend, but that should do nothing to take away from an incredible season for both player and club. With ten senior honours to his name already, Foden has had an incredible start to his career already. Turning twenty-one last Friday, Foden is still just getting started, but is he the best English youngster in the world right now? Or who could be ahead of him in the rankings?
Why is Foden the best?
The first thing to point to for Foden is his trophy cabinet. With his ten honours in 124 games, it works out as an honour every 12.4 games, a ludicrous return. Foden, is also coming off his best season in a Manchester City shirt, and with that, he has featured in countless people’s Team of the Season, including this writer’s.
The faith Guardiola has shown in using Foden as a replacement in the eleven for David Silva has been rewarded. Foden, has found himself as the man of the match on countless occasions and wowed fans and pundits alike. But obviously, it’s important to not get caught in the hype. Despite, his ability Foden is still so young in his career.
Surely a guaranteed starter as this summer’s Euro’s, Phil Foden has turned himself into seemingly an elite level talent. Watching Foden makes football fun again, and hopefully we will be seeing him as a starter this summer at the Euro’s.
Who are his competitors?
For Foden, there are six players who could perhaps hold a candle to his position as the best English youngster. These six players are; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Jason Sancho with Mason Greenwood and Bukayo Saka as outside shouts.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Trent has easily been one of, if not the best right-back in the world over the last four years. Admittedly he’s had a mixed season this year, however his accomplishments can’t be ignored. Winning both a Premier and Champions League at just twenty-two years old.
Mason Mount – Mason ‘Champions League winner’ Mount has had an exceptional couple of years. Chelsea’s player of the season, he has become an irreplaceable part of the Chelsea set-up. Mount looks set to star in England’s midfield this summer at the Euro’s.
Jadon Sancho – With 84 goal contributions in his three complete Bundesliga seasons, Sancho has fast become one of the best wingers in the world. Admittedly he’s playing in a weaker Bundesliga, but his overall consistency over such a period is remarkable considering he’s just twenty-one.
Declan Rice – Whilst Rice, may not have the honours of some of his international teammates, he’s made an excellent start to his Premier League career. Already West Ham’s vice-captain, he is a dominant controlling midfielder. One of the best in his position in the league, perhaps the honours will come with a potential summer move looming.
Greenwood/Saka – Both of these two seem to fall into the same category. They’re certainly top-level prospects, but both are just nineteen. However, big futures can still be expected from the pair as they continue to grow.
So, is he the best?
For my money, yes, Phil Foden is the best youngster England have right now. Whilst he can hardly claim to have been an integral part of all 10 of his Manchester City’s trophies, he still has shown exceptional ability. Foden is the player you should show to your mates who don’t like football, his talent will change their mind I’m sure.
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Cover Photo * (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
