Phil Foden close to Manchester City senior debut, confirms Pep Guardiola

The teenager would have featured in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Wolves but for his international commitments

Phil Foden is one of City's most promising youngsters (Getty)

Pep Guardiola has indicated that midfielder Phil Foden is close to a Manchester City senior debut, having impressed for England at the Under-17 World Cup in India.

The teenager would have featured in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Wolves but for his international commitments, according to the City manager.

Foden was outstanding on Wednesday as Steve Cooper’s side beat Brazil 3-1 to reach today’s final against Spain in Kolkata.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle is among those to have been impressed by Foden, yet his form has come as no surprise to Guardiola.

The City manager watched from the club’s boardroom last April as the midfielder scored a fine individual goal in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea, although the tie was ultimately lost 6-2 on aggregate.

He was impressed enough to take Foden on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, and has made clear that he is a part of the first-team plans at the Etihad Stadium.

The City manager, whose Premier League leaders visit West Bromwich Albion today, said: “There was an opportunity for Phil to stay here with us and play in the game against Wolves.

“But we believe that when this guy has a chance to play in a World Cup against Brazil, against Germany, Spain, Italy and whoever else, in India, it’s an amazing opportunity. It will be really good for his growth.”

Foden in action for Manchester City's Under-23s (Getty)

Guardiola, who played a key role in the development of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, is wary of putting too much pressure on Foden, who he sees as a midfielder rather than the wide player he has been deployed as in India.

However, he has no doubts that the teenager has the potential to become a great player, with the right application.

The manager added: “He is a special player. I think he is a special player. The national team is playing him as a wing-back, or a winger on the right, even though he’s more of a midfielder, but even in that position, he plays well.

“It’s dangerous to say good things about young players because they are still young, and they have to grow and they have to learn many, many things. I think at the World Cup, he will learn a lot.

Foden has played a key role in England's campaign at the Under-17s World Cup in India (Getty)

“But we have a lot of confidence to help him because we believe he is a guy who has potential, even if he’s not strong, he’s not tall.

“I think he has absolutely good potential to be helped, and that is what I like to do.”

Foden is one of three City players likely to feature in today’s Under-17 final, alongside goalkeeper Curtis Anderson and captain Joel Latibeaudiere.

Anderson made a crucial save as Japan were beaten on penalties in the last 16, while Latibeaudiere, who signed his first professional contract with City during the summer, has been a commanding presence in defence.

“We are so happy for Phil, for Joel and the goalkeeper,” Guardiola said. “So it’s good for English football.

“The Under-20 side won their World Cup this year too, so that is fantastic for English football. Big congratulations to the team.”