This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Raheem Sterling may have grabbed the headlines with another hat-trick for Manchester City, but it is Phil Foden who should have left the Etihad with the biggest smile after the Atalanta win.
Despite a late sending off for two debatable yellow cards within six minutes, the 19-year-old may have finally laid down his marker on Pep Guardiola’s side with his display.
Foden’s start against the Italian side was just his second of the season in all competitions after he played 90 minutes in the League Cup win over Preston North End. Alongside these two starts, the teenager has had just 11 minutes of league action but now, after his Champions League outing, he deserves a start in the top-flight.
Foden registered one assist against Atalanta and made four key passes, creating four big chances, per Sofascore. In truth, he could have left with more than the one assist and against Aston Villa this weekend, he could do the same.
The academy graduate proved his creativity on Tuesday and, considering Dean Smith’s side have let in 13 league goals already, Foden will be chomping at the bit to be involved once again this weekend.
Ultimately, City’s 29 league goals and Villa’s poor defence could be the perfect time for him to get some more Premier League experience.
The playmaker showed with his 94% pass accuracy that he can control the midfield alongside Kevin De Bruyne and help create for the likes of Sterling, who once again bagged three.
Sooner or later, Foden is most likely going to step into David Silva’s shoes with the Spaniard leaving at the end of the season.
If Guardiola wants this to happen he must begin to include him from the outset on a regular basis – starting against Villa.
