Phil Foden admits he is “lucky” to be part of Man City squad

Manchester City starlet Phil Foden says it is a privilege to be part of the Treble winners’ squad and only hard work will keep him involved.

The 19-year-old made his first appearance of pre-season so far on Wednesday as he came off the bench during their 6-1 friendly win over Kitchee in Hong Kong. He was granted extended leave during the summer after being involved in England Under-21’s disappointing European Championship campaign.

The Stockport-born attacking midfielder saw his role within the squad grow last season as he made 26 appearances, scoring seven goals in all competitions. Foden, who is widely seen as the natural successor to David Silva when he leaves at the end of the 2019-20 season, says it is special to be part of the squad but also admits he has to work hard to stay there.

He said: “Anyone who plays will put a shift in and play well. I am lucky to be part of it. It is a special team. The success comes from the depth of the squad.” While City have won the last two Premier League titles, they are still to taste victory in the Champions League, and Foden says Pep Guardiola’s intense nature is driving them on once again.

Foden said: “He works us very hard in training and you can tell by what we do on the pitch he wants the best from us. That will only help us play better.”

City are favourites to win this season’s Premier League at 1.57 and are also favourites to lift the Champions League at 4.75.