Manchester City starlet Phil Foden is the future of the club, insists veteran Yaya Toure
The Ivorian believes the England starlet can compete with the world class competition at the Etihad
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YAYA TOURE says England starlet Phil Foden represents the future of Manchester City.
There was a symbolic moment during the 1-0 Champions League win over Feyenoord at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
Club legend Toure made way for a player half his age as Pep Guardiola gave Foden his debut.
And the 34-year-old reckons the fact the Stockport-born kid is a boyhood City fan means he will stay at the Etihad for the long-term.
He said: "Phil Foden is fantastic. I think he is the future.
"To be honest, he is very important because the team keeps changing, the club are moving forward. He is very important.
"I hope he is going to stay for a long time.
"Sometimes you have great players coming because Man City is such a strong team, powerful, very rich, can buy any player they want.
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"But I think he is going to stay here, he has a chance to learn from the big players like David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho – all those players.
"They are going to give him more experience, give him more confidence for the rest of his career. I hope we will see a great player in the future."
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Toure - known as Uncle Yaya to some of the City kids - says Foden does turn to him for advice at times.
He said: "Yes. Of course I am old. Me and Claudio. It is sometimes quite difficult but, yes, we try to do our best to keep them cool."
Foden himself was thrilled to have made his first appearance for the club he has always supported.
One of England's Under 17 World Cup heroes was given the last 15 minutes and did enough to show what a talent he is.
Foden said: "It was an amazing experience. I’m happy for me and Brahim Diaz to get game time.
"Hopefully we can get more if we get our heads down and keep working hard.
"It meant everything. I’ve waited so long for this opportunity and it finally came and meant everything to me.
"It’s brilliant to be around players like David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne and learn every day from them. It’s an honour to be involved with the squad."