Phil Foden should remain at Manchester City and “close” to Pep Guardiola rather than head out on loan, according to Danny Murphy.
The 19-year-old made 26 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions last season, scoring seven goals and providing to assists.
Should Foden go out on loan? Five things to know…
- Foden scored seven goals in 26 games for City last season.
- But he has been given just 11 minutes of Premier League football this term.
- Reports suggest City rejected loan bids for the midfielder from Rangers and Roma in the summer.
- And Guardiola is adamant Foden will get further chance this season.
- Murphy has urged Foden to reject a loan move in favour of learning from Guardiola.
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However, he’s only played 11 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, leading to suggestions that he may be sent out on loan in January to secure both experience and more game time.
But Murphy believes that although Foden is bound to be jealous of the playing time afforded to the likes of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund and Mason Mount at Chelsea – and the success they’re having – the midfielder would be best served to stay put to prove that he is part of Guardiola’s long-term plans.
“It would be understandable if Phil Foden has been feeling pangs of jealousy this season,” Murphy told the Daily Mail.
“He has had to watch contemporaries like Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount tear it up for Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and England while he’s barely had a look in.
“Foden has only 11 minutes for Manchester City this season. Even if he plays against Preston in the League Cup on Tuesday, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were people whispering in his ear, suggesting he pushes for a January loan so he gets enough game-time to impress Southgate and develop his career.
“The irony is that in 99 per cent of cases, I’d also urge Foden to go out and play. It has worked for Sancho who was brave enough to leave City and join Borussia Dortmund. Last season’s loan spell at Derby has done wonders for Mount, ditto Tammy Abraham at Aston Villa.
“And yet, I believe Foden is the exception to the rule. He is a special, special player and in his case, I’d suggest the best thing would be to stay close to Pep Guardiola because I believe the City manager has a clear plan.”
Foden can be the best of his generation, says Murphy
Murphy went on to suggest Foden can be the “stand-out player of his generation” and thinks he will be a permanent fixture in the Man City line-up next season, once David Silva leaves the club.
“In the short term, it seems hard. But looking at the bigger picture, I can see Foden becoming the stand-out player of his generation,” he added.
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“I think in 12 months time he may be a permanent fixture in the City starting line-up because I think they will trust in him rather than splash out £70m looking for a replacement for David Silva, who is in his final season.
“I’m sure Guardiola is talking to Foden about the future and I think the player should trust his manager, even if it means missing Euro 2020.
“It’s his misfortune that getting into City’s midfield is probably the toughest job in football now, but Silva will go and Foden will come in, I believe.”