Lionel Messi’s versatility is unmatched. In his younger years, he played on the flanks as a winger, sometimes as a supporting striker, and other times as a number 10. Messi was incredible in almost all offensive positions, and he recognized similar qualities in Phil Foden—qualities that Pep Guardiola also saw.
Since Guardiola offered the young Englishman Foden an opportunity to play in the starting lineup in 2017, Foden’s footballing prowess has only grown. It’s no wonder that Lionel Messi and Mascherano used to inquire about him when they were at Barcelona.
Messi’s persistent queries about City star
Pep Guardiola’s appointment as manager of Manchester City in 2016 attracted the attention of former Barcelona players. Having previously managed the Catalan giants from 2008 to 2012, Guardiola achieved considerable success, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and revolutionizing the sport with his distinctive style of football.
Lionel Messi was particularly drawn to Pep Guardiola’s career at Manchester City as he sometimes credits his career achievements to him, the best coach he has ever worked with.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi paid attention to the players Guardiola had at his disposal. One in particular caught his eye more than most. It’s claimed that Messi and Javier Mascherano regularly contacted Aguero to ask about the development of Phil Foden.
The duo indeed wondered if Phil Phoden would become an incredible player considering their knowledge of what Pep Guardiola can make of talents like him.
Phil Foden has showcased his versatility and adaptability this season by excelling in a midfield role, contributing five goals and four assists. While he initially played as a winger for most of his Manchester City career, Foden’s ability to transition centrally has been emphasized by manager Pep Guardiola. This flexibility and skill evolution parallel aspects of Lionel Messi’s career, where the Argentine also demonstrated the capability to operate in different positions on the pitch.
They aren’t wrong about him. Speaking back in February, Guardiola explained: “He can play there, still I have the feeling he’s still young, some maturity [is required] to understand what happens in the middle to read what happens.
“When you play [on the wing] you are moving the right, do these kind of things, in the middle many things happen and you have to read what happens to react properly. And still, he’s young. The skills he can do it, absolutely.
Pep Guardiola handed Phil Foden his debut as a 17-year-old for Manchester City
Guardiola introduced Phil Foden to the senior team at the age of 17, granting him his debut against Feyenoord in the Champions League in 2017.
Back in 2017, Pep Guardiola spoke of the rationale for involving the likes of Foden in the team, giving him his dream debut
Guardiola said, “I said in pre-season those guys will train with us all season.”
“They have to have the quality to train with us. It’s not just to have fun or be gentle. They are there because they have a chance to play.
“From what I saw of him and Brahim in pre-season, the training, in the World Cup, they are ready. Otherwise they would not be training every day with us.
“Now if they play or don’t play depends on my decision. But they have to be ready because sometimes the manager makes surprises!”
Since then, Foden has experienced significant growth, contributing to Manchester City’s success with five Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
