Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has compared Man City star Phil Foden to one of his Gunners teammates as he made a big Erling Haaland statement about his place among the top players in the world.
Foden has started the new 2022/23 season in fine form for Pep Guardiola's side, attaining seven goal contributions in his first nine games in all competitions.
However, his form on the international scene has come under some criticism from supporters, some of who don't believe he should be starting over the likes of Bukayo Saka due to his suitability for Gareth Southgate's England system.
Nevertheless, Foden will just have to prove his critics wrong in November when the Qatar World Cup kicks off. And Sagna believes he will do this as he made a bold Erling Haaland statement in the process, claiming the pair are first and second respectively as the best youngsters in world football.
READ MORE: Fabio Vieira deal highlights why Arsenal are 'ready to challenge' for title ahead of Tottenham
"I heard all these stories about him when I was there," Sagna told Lord Ping. "I wanted to see it for myself, because coming from France, there were always young, talented players that were supposed to be the next big thing. Then he arrived in training and it was like…WOW (laughs)! Honestly, I think he is the best young player in the world behind Erling Haaland. They are both 22 - it is amazing what they are doing.
"From the boy I saw when he was 16 to the player he is now, there is a massive difference. He was already brilliant at sixteen, now he is top and I consider him the future of English football. He is a world-class player. Everything he touches turns to gold."
Whilst waxing lyrical on Man City's No.47, the former Arsenal and City full-back compared Foden's qualities to a certain former teammate who he was privileged to share the pitch with during his playing days.
The Frenchman added: "His attitude reminds me of Jack Wilshere. He is fearless, confident. He doesn’t care who is facing and backs himself to always deliver, which is very difficult at his age.
"He fully deserves a new contract. He is someone that City will want to keep at the club for years and, for a local boy it must have been his dream to stay at his boyhood club, who happen to be the best team in England, surrounded by his friends and family.
"He is enjoying his football and he is a key player for City. He was a key player for them last year too, and to do that, at his age, when he is competing with top, top, players who are a lot more experienced than him, it shows you just how important he is. To have the personality to be one of the main men in this City team at his age tells you everything you need to know about the player."
Arsenal fans: Would Phil Foden currently get into this current Arsenal line-up under Mikel Arteta? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta already has Arsenal's Thomas Partey replacement and it's not Albert Sambi Lokonga
Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney - Arsenal injury news ahead of Tottenham clash
Mikel Arteta suffers new Arsenal injury setback ahead of North London Derby vs Tottenham
What Gabriel Jesus did to Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal's North London Derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
