While Erling Haaland has, understandably, stolen the Manchester City headlines so far this season, his teammate Phil Foden has also enjoyed a productive campaign so far. The 22-year-old has registered eight goals and three assists in 20 appearances in all competitions - including a hat-trick against Manchester United.
He has already formed a solid relationship with star striker Haaland, and the City duo are only going to get better under the management of Pep Guardiola. Foden was in a rich vein of form prior to the pause in the domestic season ahead of the upcoming tournament in Qatar, and the Englishman is desperate to replicate his Blues showings when he represents his country at his first-ever World Cup.
The City attacker has made 18 appearances for Gareth Southgate's side, registering two goals and six assists. He was part of the side that reached the Euros final last summer, but is planning on playing an even bigger role over the coming weeks.
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Foden was recently asked if England fans had seen the best of him in his 18 caps for the Three Lions, and the City attacker issued a defiant response. He was keen to stress that it takes time to adapt to the international stage, but vowed to show what he could do when playing for his country.
"Definitely not," Foden said. "But I don't think it is easy coming into a team and not knowing the players very well.
"You have to learn how to play with different players and what they like best - running behind or wanting balls to feet. Just little details like that. I have had enough experience in the England team to understand the players. Hopefully I can bring that into the World Cup.
"I definitely should have scored a lot more for England, really. I am still learning, still learning the group of players as well. I am hoping this World Cup could be good for me and hopefully I can bring goals.
"It's all about taking small steps in the right direction. Like I said, I just want to take my club form into the national team. With my club form this year, I've been scoring a lot of goals and I want to bring that to the national team."
The 22-year-old has been in impressive form this season, and his club manager has praised the City man on multiple occasions throughout the campaign, while also ensuring that his continues striving to improve.
In October, Guardiola was asked how the England international stacks up in comparison to striker Haaland - with the Norwegian frontman having enjoyed a spectacular start to life at the Etihad. The Spanish coach lauded Foden and suggested that the Manchester-born playmaker would end up in midfield later in his career.
However, the City boss also claimed that Foden still has areas he needs to improve on - insisting that he would need to concentrate more when playing as part of a midfield three.
"Exceptional player, grew up a lot. He's reliable his physical condition, so intense and clever in everything. Can play every three days. Both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it," Guardiola said on Foden.
It was Foden's teammate Kevin De Bruyne who initially suggested that his future lies in central midfield, and Guardiola agreed.
He added: "I agree with Kevin, hasn't played there many times. Phil can play five positions, even play as a left-back. In the middle, have to pay a bit more attention.
"Some aspects, his unbelievable instincts. In the middle, the sides is easier. With the ball, especially without, he has to improve. "It's normal. His age and desire to learn he will do it, no doubt."
Foden is aware that he is still improving, and appreciates that he needs to work on aspects of his game. His understanding of when to get in behind, or when to ask for the ball to feet, is something that will come with time, but relates to what Guardiola said about his attention in midfield.
He is also keen to score more goals for the Three Lions, which he is probably more likely to do from the wing. As Foden gets older and continues to develop as a player, he will find his natural position for both club and country. For City, it will be easier to see where he is best suited, but with England, he might actually have to operate in different roles in order to achieve his ambition of performing better on the international stage.
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