Manchester City youngster hailed as a future Ballon d'Or winner

The future is bright for Manchester City, with a ‘phenomenal’ talented youngster in their ranks capable of winning the biggest individual honor.

Phil Foden has the world at his feet and could become a Ballon d’Or winner in the next ‘four or five years’, says Shaun Goater.

The 20-year-old is on the brink of hitting the century mark in terms of appearances for Manchester City, having already made 93. He also delivered a goal and assist in the club’s 3-1 win at Chelsea on Sunday. It took his tally for the season up to five goal contributions (three goals, two assists), despite making only six starts.

Pep Guardiola has carefully managed Foden since bringing him into the first-team fold in 2017. But while the City boss has been spot on so far, the two-time England international is building a strong case to become a regular starter.

“The world is at Phil Foden’s feet,” former Citizens striker Goater told the EFL.

“I think he can really go all the way. I can see him standing on the podium and being on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.

“I know that’s a huge thing to say about someone still so young, but he has this quality about him, and what I like about him is the energy he brings, the constant goal threat he brings – whether that’s scoring or assisting – and as a midfielder, these are great qualities.

“He can play anywhere and he will play anywhere. I can really see his future as being one of the best in the world, he’s phenomenal for someone so young and I genuinely think in four or five years he could challenge for the Ballon d’Or, he’s got that much potential.”

Foden will hope to get the nod from Guardiola on Wednesday for a spot in the line-up for City’s derby with Manchester United in a Carabao Cup semi-final clash.