Fansided

10 young players to watch

By James Dudko

Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Phil Foden of Manchester City during the International Champions Cup 2018 match between Manchester City and Liverpool at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Phil Foden of Manchester City during the International Champions Cup 2018 match between Manchester City and Liverpool at MetLife Stadium on July 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

5. Phil Foden, Manchester City

City didn’t get Jorginho, but giving Phil Foden more opportunities to realise his potential can have the same effect as a new signing. Guardiola waxed lyrical about the youthful playmaker ahead of last season, before proceeding to hand him a mere five appearances off the bench in the league.

Foden can push for more this time around although Guardiola has suggested a loan could still happen, per BBC Sport’s Simon Stone.

The 18-year-old still has the ability to dictate possession not many midfielders are born with. His cultured distribution and eye for goal perfectly fit with Guardiola’s entertaining and expansive style of play.

It would make more sense to keep Foden in the fold since opportunities are sure to come his way sooner rather than later.

City’s need to refresh the attacking areas of midfield can’t be put off for long. David Silva is 32 and has already said this contract will be his last with the Citizens.

Foden can help accelerate and ease the transition to a post-Silva era. He’s steadily been proving his talent and is playing for a manager rarely shy about giving youth a chance.