‘That is our wish’: Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden can fill David Silva’s boots at Manchester City
- Phil Foden is set to start as Manchester City face Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday
- David Silva has not travelled for the Champions League clash due to injury
- Foden has long been earmarked as the natural successor to the Spaniard
Pep Guardiola is confident Phil Foden can fill the boots of David Silva at Manchester City.
Foden, 19, is set for a rare start as City wrap up their Champions League Group C campaign against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
Veteran playmaker Silva has not travelled due to injury but, as he has already announced he is to leave the club at the end of the season, it could be a foretaste of the future.
Phil Foden is set to start for Manchester City away at Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night
Pep Guardiola is confident Phil Foden can fill the boots of David Silva at Manchester City
Foden has long been earmarked as the natural successor to Silva but he has had to wait patiently for his opportunities so far.
City boss Guardiola said: ‘That is our wish (that he can replace Silva). Of course David is a legend, with the amount of games and titles he has won, but it’s our wish and we believe he can do it.
‘He’s growing from last season. There are still some departments he can improve.
‘Sometimes he takes decisions with character and spirit because he is so young, but sometimes he has to think a bit more about decision-making, especially without the ball.
‘But it’s normal with his age. His development is perfect. We are more than satisfied with what he is doing with his training and when he plays.’
The Spaniard is injured for the trip to Croatia and set to leave the club at the end of the season