Manchester City

Kyle Walker: 'Phil Foden will help Manchester City in Kevin De Bruyne's absence'

By Ali Akbar | 17 August 2018

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker backs youngster Phil Foden to impress in the first team following the injury of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has backed youngster Phil Foden to impress in the first team following the injury of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The 18-year-old England youth international has made only five first-team appearances since being promoted from the reserves by manager Pep Guardiola in the 2017-18 season.

However, following the announcement that De Bruyne will be out for at least three months with a knee ligament injury, Foden is likely to make more appearances in the 2018-19 season and is backed to do well by teammate Walker.

"Phil's got a great attitude, [he is] a great player, and more importantly, he's a great lad," said the 28-year-old in a press conference. "He wants to learn, he's keen to listen. I've met a lot of young players throughout my career who've kind of got a chip on their shoulder but he's definitely not one of them.

"He's one of those who wants to learn and I think he shows that in his performances – he's keen, he's energetic, he's keeping people on their toes really.

"He's been working hard – you can see he's been working hard, he was even out in Russia [watching the World Cup as a spectator] so that's how much he loves the game of football."

Foden could make an appearance in City's Premier League clash against Huddersfield Town at the Etihad on Sunday.