Gary Neville: ‘Bill Foden is an English player on another level’

Gary Neville (former England international, after World Cup Round of 16 win over Senegal): “For the third goal against Senegal, Foden was exceptional. This little pass between Koulibaly’s legs for a colleague… He’s talented, he doesn’t speak much English, Phil Foden. He doesn’t give the ball into wide spaces. He protects the ball well. Pep Guardiola didn’t give him a gift either. Early on Pep made it very difficult for Manchester City to break into the team.When everyone said, “You’ve got to get him in,” he held him back for six to twelve months.

He has won four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and one FA Cup. He is 22 years old. Some say it’s because of the players he plays with. No. You don’t play in Pep Guardiola’s teams unless you’re exceptional. He lets you down. He removed Sane. Sterling, he got rid of players he didn’t think were good. He gets rid of players who aren’t right for him. He defends Foden and says he is one of the best talents he has ever worked with. I think Phil Foden is an English player on another level. »