Ever since Phil Foden’s name came in to the spotlight, the youngster has been likened to Manchester City icon David Silva on many occasions.
Much like the FIFA World Cup winner, the Stockport-born attacker has always been an attacking midfielder by trade, renowned for his wand of a left foot.
As a result, when the Manchester City academy star first came into the reckoning for the first-team, it always seemed like he would be the successor to David Silva one day.
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However, ever since the veteran’s departure to Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020, Phil Foden has largely operated as a part of City’s front-three.
During the 2020/21 season in particular, the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year winner showcased a largely unseen side to his game by shining as a left winger.
Perhaps what was more surprising, and a reason why the comparisons to David Silva came to a top, was the Englishman’s penchant for putting up goals and assists on the board.
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While the former Valencia hero was a master of his craft, being an output machine was far from his strongest suit.
Keeping that in mind, many have claimed that in truth, Phil Foden is more fit to be the heir to Kevin De Bruyne, who has been one of the most productive midfielders in Europe since his move to Manchester City.
It seems like the 22-year-old has kept a close eye on what makes De Bruyne special, hinting at considering him as a bigger inspiration than lifelong idol, David Silva.
“When I was watching football and growing up, I loved David Silva but seeing Kevin De Bruyne every day in training, the things he does!
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"Unbelievable player; probably the best player I’ve ever, ever played with," he admitted, when speaking as a global ambassador for TCL, as relayed by Caught Offside.
Since his rise to superstardom, Phil Foden has also become an established member for his national side.
Making headlines for his Paul Gascoigne-inspired haircut during Euro 2020, the decorated attacker clearly seems to have always wanted to play for England one day.
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Quizzed about the players he looked up to who have played for the Three Lions, the four-time Premier League champion instantly had his primary role models in mind.
“I used to like (David) Beckham, (Wayne) Rooney when I was watching England”, he said.
Foden added, “Just watching football on the TV, seeing big players play football and I just wanted to be like them.
"I used to go to the park to play every day wishing I could be one of them one day.”
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With Phil Foden playing alongside a modern-day great such as Kevin De Bruyne and still just at 22 years of age, he has the potential to replicate all the things his heroes have accomplished in the past for both club and country.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Phil Foden, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Premier League, Football