Manchester City are blessed with one of the strongest squads ever assembled and the fans got to see that in full working order this afternoon in the FA Cup with a number of fringe players taking their chance to impress.
The game itself was little more than a training exercise against lower league opposition but it was a chance for football fans to run the rule over one of the hottest young properties in world football.
Phil Foden has been a star at various age groups over the past few years with England and he once again displayed all of his natural talent with another encouraging display. Still only 18, the masterful midfielder showed himself to be one of the best on the pitch against the Millers and he will be hoping that he has done enough to garner more minutes in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola is yet to be fully convinced Foden is quite ready for regular first team action but there is no doubt that the fans are already in love with a player who appears to have all the skills in the locker to go right to the very top.
18y 223d - Aged 18 years and 223 days, Phil Foden is the youngest player to score in the #FACup for Manchester City since Rony Lopes did so aged 17 years and 8 days against Watford in January 2013. Talent. - (@OptaJoe)
Future legend, mark my words. - (@NotBylal)
Phil Foden is better than your club's academy. Don't argue with me bro - (@JemGuru)
Phil Foden might become what everyone hoped Jack Wilshere would be. Has same unique ability to glide past opponents plus the right coach for greatness. - (@CazorlaRoba)
The future is certainly bright for English football at the moment with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson tearing it up in the Bundesliga and plenty more starting to do the same at home, but there are high hopes that Foden could be the best of the bunch. The talent is clearly there and the Man City fans in particular will be hoping he can make the breakthrough to the senior team on a more regular basis over the next six months.
It won't matter to Phil Foden 😏
He has his first goal at the Etihad 💙