Guardiola's faith has been massive for me, says Foden

Phil Foden revealed how Pep Guardiola’s faith and patience have been ‘massive’ for his development as a player at Manchester City.

Foden is a homegrown talent, who has graduated City’s youth academy and broke into the first-team. Since debuting in November 2017, he’s made a further 73 appearances under Guardiola.

The Citizens boss has never shied away from his admiration for Foden in the past. He even left reporters stunned last year by claiming the youngster was ‘the most talented player’ he has ever seen despite coaching the likes of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

Pep has also shut down the prospect of ever selling the 20-year-old for even €500m, insisting he is ‘priceless’ to him.

Such is the Catalan’s faith in young Foden that he started him in City’s recent Champions League victory against Real Madrid in the last-16.

“It’s been massive,” Foden said on Guardiola’s faith in him on Sky Sports. “I’ve played in some massive games this year, like cup finals and big Champions League games. They’re the games that everyone wants to play in.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for young players to be involved in those games. I think he’s been patient with me and played me at the right time. Now I’m learning a lot and feel ready to go.

“He wants to see good attitude every day, he wants to see you training and playing well.

“I go to training every day and give 100 percent – that’s where you can’t go wrong. I’m giving everything to get in the team. That’s what I’m trying to do.

“If I don’t get in the team, I know that I’ve put 100 percent in. If I get in the team, I know I’ve earned it. That’s how I work, and I think that’s what he (Pep) likes about me as well.”

Foden’s strong performances won him a call-up to the England squad ahead of the Nations League games against Iceland on Saturday and Denmark next Tuesday.