Phil Foden already knows the difference between himself at 19 and Rico Lewis, says it's 'not normal'

Phil Foden has paid Manchester City teammate Rico Lewis the ultimate compliment as he continues to impress for the reigning Premier League champions.

Since being handed his league debut in August 2022, the versatile and tactically-astute Lewis has made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens.

The 19-year-old full-back, who can also operate in midfield, recently made his England debut after being called up to Gareth Southgate's squad for their Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia.

And last month, Pep Guardiola claimed Lewis would be considered "one of the best players in the Premier League” if he was taller.

"He's an exceptional player," the Spaniard said. "Last season he arrived and started to settle with us, every game he plays to the highest standards.

"We are really really pleased that an academy player can be a regular player, really pleased.”

Guardiola isn't the only player to sing Lewis' praises. Phil Foden, another one of the club's academy products, believes the teenager is more advanced that he was at that age.

In the aftermath of Manchester City's hard-fought 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday evening, Foden gave an insight into Lewis' talent when speaking to City's official website.

"How old is he - 19? Yeah, it's crazy. I think he's much more alert than I was at that age,” Foden said.

“Like how aware of his surroundings and how intelligent he is. It's not normal to find that in an 19-year old, you know? It normally comes over time.

“He's so intelligent on the pitch and for the manager to trust him in midfield in these big games, just shows that."

Foden added: “I think a dream of mine is to try and play with as many Academy players as possible in the first team.

"It’s so nice to see Rico and Oscar doing so well – it’s just so good to see. Rico is unbelievable for his age and so is Oscar. To see them doing what they're doing now, yeah, it’s so good.

“They're going to be important for us. Like I said, when injuries happen, they're always there and ready to step up.”

Image credit: Getty

Foden also heaped praise on Oscar Bobb, who found the net in Wednesday night's Champions League clash in Belgrade,

“He's similar to me with a left foot and in that he likes to get in the pockets and turn," the England international said.

“He’s an unbelievable player. Every time he's played for us now and come on he's done well as well so he's really making an impact. I’m really happy for him.”

Topics: Phil Foden, Manchester City, Premier League, Champions League, Pep Guardiola, England

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_