"Phil Foden Can Be Good Enough To Win The Ballon d’Or"

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been tipped to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

The 20-year-old is currently enjoying a breakout season at the Etihad and impressed in Sunday's 4-1 win over Liverpool.

Former City striker Trevor Sinclair is incredibly excited by the midfielder and he thinks he'll be up there as one of the best.

He told talkSPORT: "I actually believe he can be [good enough to win the Ballon d'Or] if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps working tirelessly as he is.

"I think he's already in the conversation for Young Player of the Year in the Premier League and possibly even overall Player of the Year he's been that good and that consistent.

"I don't think a lot of people realise how quick he is as well. Not just when sprinting but moving with the ball and his unbelievable balance on both sides."

Foden has five goals and three assists in 17 league appearances this season and manager Pep Guardiola is impressed.

Sinclair continued: "I think Pep has come out and said many times he's got an eye for goal, he's seen that potential in him.

PA

"Listen, he's 20-year-old and we're talking about him being a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, it speaks volumes of the boy."

City cult hero Shaun Goater also thinks the Stockport native can challenge for world football's elite awards.

"I say it every time, in the next five years he's challenging for the Ballon d'Or," Goater said on the We're Not Really Here podcast. "He affects games every time he plays.

"I like Phil when he's central, his dribbling qualities come to the fore. When he's wide he plays the role for the team and keeps that width. He pirouettes, dribbles and does all sorts.

"Look at the Liverpool game. Andy Robertson is a brilliant defender, but Foden gets beyond him before he can change his feet.

PA

"That is quick in how he's shifted it and the power he's hit it with, the keeper had no chance.

"Him seeing everything from a little lad walking out when he was a mascot, I'm seeing a kid who's confident.

"He's playing with world class players, it ticks all the boxes, this club - this is the direction it wants to go in."

Do you think Phil Foden will be in Ballon d'Or contention?

Topics: Manchester City, Phil Foden, Football News, Football, Trevor Sinclair, Premier League, Ballon d'Or, Man City

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_