Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is mature beyond his years... it might be a good idea for him to move inside where he can really do some damage

• e-mail

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He'll bring you his verdict in Sportsmail.

This week, he has sniffed out Phil Foden, who is currently plying his trade at Manchester City.

Here is why so many of the country's biggest clubs have one eye on the wide midfielder, and what our scout believes he needs to make the grade in the Premier League and develop into a star.

Manchester City youngster Phil Foden has plenty of talent and could become a star

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

This 5ft 7in left-footer is well-balanced and has a maturity beyond his years. He has all the tools in his locker and is so confident with his tidy, tight control. 

An economic, sensible passer, he makes subtle movements. After passing around an opponent, for example, he will glide into position on the blind side of him to receive the next pass, quickly on the ball and ready for the next confrontation. 

He can dribble as well and how England need to encourage a young dribbler! 

From a wide position, Foden can take the ball sideways and then has the ability to feint, before taking the ball on the inside or outside. 

He reminds me a bit of Chris Waddle in this way, although he is far from a flying wide man, more an attacking midfielder playing out wide.

As he is currently showing for England Under 17s at the World Cup in India, he is a composed player and an old head on young shoulders, who looks as though he can carry out an instruction and has team responsibility.

Always on the move, he is not easy to mark.

He works hard to get back when possession is lost, so when the ball is regained he is in touch with play and available to receive on the counter. He does not panic under pressure and that's another big plus for a young player.

From wide, Foden can take the ball sideways and then has the ability to cut back inside

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

Because of his passing qualities and eye for a crucial delivery, I would like to see him play more centrally where he would gain combative strength from the hurly-burly nature of the midfield. 

Also, from a central position he would get into areas where he could shoot for goal more often. 

The Manchester City staff will carefully monitor Foden and he must be earmarked for a role at the highest level. The question is, can he make a breakthrough at the cosmopolitan Etihad?          

Foden has impressed when playing for England's youth teams and is expected to get better