Kieran Gibbs has likened Phil Foden to a former wonderkid at Arsenal, as he hailed the Manchester City star’s physical development.
Foden was the star of the show once again for City on Sunday as they beat West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium to clinch the Premier League title.
City made history by winning it for a fourth year running, and Foden took his tally to 27 goals for the season across all competitions.
The Premier League Player of the Season shone in a central role, as he has been doing for the majority of the campaign.
He was excellent picking the ball up between the lines, and the West Ham players just couldn’t get a handle on him.
Former full-back Kieran Gibbs has been speaking about Foden, and believes he is reminiscent of a former Arsenal player many people tipped to become a world-beater…
Kieran Gibbs compares Phil Foden to Jack Wilshere and hails Man City star’s physical development
Foden is now one of City’s main men.
He is level with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Rodri in terms of stature, and has developed into a world-class player.
He was always likely to reach this point, having been surrounded by incredible players from an early age. But that is not to play down just how hard he has worked to get to where he is. Brian Kidd certainly always felt he was going to become a top player.
Foden’s development has been so impressive, especially when you consider how tough the Premier League can be from a physical standpoint. Foden has never been the biggest, but he is so at home in the competition now.
Gibbs was asked who Foden reminds him of, and the former full-back reckons he’s a bit like former Arsenal wonderkid Jack Wilshere.
He said in a video for ESPN FC: “If I could pick anyone that he resembles from my playing days it would be Jack Wilshere.
“How he’s dealt with not playing at first with Pep making it clear that he’s not ready. But he’s just brought him in perfectly over the last four or five seasons.
“He’s taking the responsibility upon his shoulders. He’s pretty much been one of the most important players of City this season.
“Now he just looks right physically. I don’t know what it was, why Pep wasn’t playing him at the beginning. But physically now he just seems primed. The right speed, the right balance, he can cope with the demand of the games.”
Foden’s physicality is underrated
People often talk about Foden’s remarkable technical ability and vision, and his eye for a goal. But his physical has definitely come a long way.
The Premier League can sometimes be a tough environment for players who are not blessed with height and strength.
£225,000-a-week gem Foden is only 5ft 7in and is said to weigh around 70kg, but we have seen how nippy and well-balanced he is. Sometimes there will be times when he gets barged off the ball. But for the most part, Foden can look after himself perfectly fine.
The Wilshere comparison from Gibbs is interesting.
He was seen as a generational talent at one point, but injuries ruined him and he did not get to have the career many thought he would. Hopefully, Foden will not have that kind of bad luck. Should he take good care of himself and should City manage him correctly, there is no reason why he can’t one day become one of the greatest English players of all-time.