Graeme Souness reveals which player will beat Martin Odegaard to Premier League POTY award
Graeme Souness believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is likely to miss out at this year's Football of the Year awards.
The Norwegian international has been integral to Mikel Arteta's success this season, with the Gunners once again firmly in the race for the Premier League title.
Still in with a shout of claiming UEFA Champions League glory too, Arsenal's young guns have continued to impress at the top end of the table.
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Having scored 10 goals and registered a further seven assists in all competitions thus far, the former Real Madrid midfielder has continued to shine in his typical number 10 role.
But former Liverpool star Souness has praised yet another Premier League star, insisting Odegaard is likely to miss out.
"The votes are being cast for the footballer of the year and Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard will have to be in the mix," Souness told Mail Sport.
"However, Manchester City’s Phil Foden gets my vote.
"He has been outstanding. He appears to have that attitude where he wants to learn something new every day in training and we are seeing a real superstar in the making.
"His goal against Real Madrid in midweek summed him up. Calmness under pressure, he shifted the ball out of his feet and hit it so smoothly. He is a terrific striker of the ball."
Foden was once again on the scoresheet for Pep Guardiola's side against Real Madrid in midweek as his stock continues to rise.
Likely to prove an integral part of Gareth Southgate's plans for England this summer, the Stockport-born midfielder is aiming for even more silverware with City this season.
"The standard of the quarter finals were everything you would hope for, a fabulous watch, a great advert for Champions League football and Manchester City and Arsenal have nothing to fear going into the second legs," added Souness.
"The only problem is every one of those teams will be thinking the same. That’s the mentality of the best players."
There was to be a late scare for fans earlier this week however, with Guardiola confirming the 23-year-old is set to be assessed ahead of Saturday's clash with Luton Town.
"I would like to tell you but I didn’t see the team or speak with the doctors," said the Spaniard.
"So, we will train this afternoon. Now, when I finish the press conference, I will make a meeting and we will see how they feel."
Topics: Phil Foden, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Martin Odegaard, Arsenal, Graeme Souness
Matthew Holt