Phil Foden backed to emulate Man City legend after key impact against Atletico Madrid

Phil Foden has been backed to emulate David Silva and Wayne Rooney after stealing the show again for Manchester City in the Champions League.

The academy graduate came off the bench to make an instant impact and help give City the all-important advantage after the first leg of their quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. The Blues had been left frustrated by their pragmatic visitors until Kevin De Bruyne produced the winner with 20 minutes to go at the Etihad.

It was Foden though that had the fans and pundits alike lauding his talent once again. Having been named on the bench, the England international wasted no time in showcasing why he looks set to become one of the greats at City.

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The 21-year-old nutmegged Reinildo Mandava before laying the ball on for De Bruyne to finish past Jan Oblak and make the hosts’ dominance pay off. It also provided City with the perfect start to what could be a pivotal couple of weeks.

And Foden’s performance had BT Sport’s pundits raving about his impact on his side. Among them, former City midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes he could go on to follow in the footsteps of a club legend.

“Phil is one of one. He’s the most unique footballer around,” Hargreaves told BT Sport.

“When you see videos of him when he was 10, going in and out of players. I still think he’s at the beginning of his development, there’s much more to come. I think he’s David Silva, central.”

Former City defender Joleon Lescott meanwhile drew comparisons with England’s all-time leading goalscorer: “If he continues at this rate and that the club is progressing then he goes down as the greatest English player, decorated, ever.

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