Phil Foden is the most technically gifted English player of a generation, and we might have Lionel Messi to thank for that.
The 22-year-old Manchester City attacker is already one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, and now he is showcasing his talent on the world stage for England at the World Cup. Few players possess the same quality of touch, passing and control as Foden, no matter their age.
Of course natural ability has a lot to do with it, but Foden's academy coaches at City and of course Pep Guardiola must take a lot of credit for their nurturing of such a talent. Now it appears that seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi deserves credit too.