Pep Guardiola vows to play England Under-17s World Cup winner Phil Foden at Manchester City
The Manchester City manager included the Stockport-born player in his pre-season Manchester derby team, but has vowed to play the 17-year-old in whatever position he played in during the final.
PEP GUARDIOLA expects Phil Foden's achievements at the Under-17 World Cup to benefit both Manchester City and England down the line.
The youngster can expect a bright future after being named player of the tournament.
England were named champions following a thrilling final against Spain where the Lions came from behind to beat Spain 5-2, with Foden gifting his country two goals.
Guardiola made the call to let the 17-year-old play against his peers on a global stage, rather than recall him for Manchester City's Carabao Cup clash.
A decision that Guardiola took based on the premises that involvement in the international fixture would be more crucial to his development.
But he now plans to put the player in his chosen position after he heard the Stockport-born player had scored twice in a final.
Speaking after learning of the result he asked what position Foden had played in, he said: "When I find out, I will put him in this position if he scores two goals in the final!"
Injured Benjamin Mendy was also keeping tabs on his young team mate and was so impressed with his form that he demanded a drug test.
Other high-profile City players who have monitored the baby-faced midfielder terrorising Spain's defence include captain Vincent Kompany- who tweeted that Foden should hurry home for their next fixture.
Foden's contract at City runs until 2020, but after his form at the tournament that led to him being awarded player of the tournmanet, and Fifa's Golden Ball, City may well want to ensure his future is at the Ethiad.
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The young Lions impressive tournament record saw them win 30, out of 34 games and Guardiola was certain that training with the senior team has improved Foden's game.
Foden netted his second goal in the final moments before Guardiola conducted his press conference after City's win over West Brom.
He said:"It is so important for Manchester City, for him, for everybody, that he played at a high, high level in that competition. We cannot forget. He played at a World Cup - England are world champions at that age."
Foden played in the pre-season Manchester derby in the States, but may now be afforded more opportunities to play with the big boys at City.
The 17-year-old, typically an attacking central midfielder, was pivotal to England's fightback in Kolkata playing in a more unfamiliar wider berth.
Guardiola wasn't the only manager to heap praise on the young midfielder, Spain's youth-team boss Santi Denia said: "He's got a great future ahead of him. I hope he continues to follow the path he is on within the team.
"We tried to defend as a team against him but he's a very good player, he was always creating danger and put in a great game".
Guardiola stuck to his guns about leaving Foden in India to compete in a highly-pressurised environment in front of a crowd.
Foden's international team-mate Jadon Sancho was recalled from India by Borussia Dortmund so he could make his senior debut in the Bundesliga last weekend.
But Guardiola said: "Maybe he would have played in the second team (development squad) this month.
"It is better to play in the World Cup against Spain, Brazil, Germany, all the African teams.
"If they stay here they play in front of no crowd.
"They don't compete realistically in the second team to play at a high level, so for all the English players, not just Phil, the other players at Man City, it was the big experience of their lives."
