Phil Foden: The Stockport Iniesta

What Next for Phil Foden?

Foden is also a slight player as I have said before and I am left thinking he needs to bulk up a little to withstand the rigours of the game. Not too much – as he is most similar in his play at the moment under Guardiola to David Silva, and physically he bears some resemblance. The difficulty with going on loan is how will he be looked after? Will he get crunched? Will other teams really look after him? Remember the tackle he received away at Leicester last season which ruled him out for a number of games?

At Manchester City Foden will not find it easier to get into the First team matchday squad over the next few months, unless there is a significant injury. The reality of the situation is Kevin de Bruyne will return from injury shortly leaving de Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo and Silva wrestling for 4 spots. Foden’s immediate opportunities seem limited unless there is an injury or suspension. Personally I prefer him to Gundogan at this moment and believe Foden should usurp him in the side, but Gundogan is the first player Guardiola sought to recruit at City so I cannot see that happening.  I can see Foden increasing his game time as Silva reduces his match time with age – I do not expect that factor to kick in until next season.

I expect after the International break for de Bruyne to start a run of games to gain his match fitness and to play alongside one of our two Silvas in rotation. So what is best for our little Iniesta? A Carabao Cup run? Or regular game time?

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My preference at this stage is to retain him until the transfer window opens but then to look for options. Personally I would not be looking to either the Championship or Scottish Premiership as options because I do not believe he would learn enough in those environments. Instead I believe he could be most helped to develop into our Iniesta by him playing for Patrick Viera in France or for our team in La Liga – little Girona. I consider the attractive and open football played in those destinations will assist in cultivating a special talent.

This is a critical time in his development where we need to ensure the right balance is delivered to give Foden that option to really develop into the player we want him to be. We know he can make that leap but in order to do it, he may need to leave us for a while to achieve it. As fans we will need to get used to that fact and to be prepared for the inevitable accusations from other fans who will question our commitment to youth. What they don’t realise is Foden is one of us – not just a City fan, but a local lad – and as such we will be prepared to let him go to come back stronger. Sometimes real love is about letting go.