Even Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t’: Rio Ferdinand says Man City ace is the best in the world at specific skill

‘Even Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t’: Rio Ferdinand says Man City ace is the best in the world at specific skill

 

Rio Ferdinand firmly believes that Phil Foden is the best player in the world on the half-turn.

 

After Manchester City’s 1-0 win against Newcastle United in August, Peter Crouch claimed that no other player in the Premier League is as much of a master of the skill as the 23-year-old.

 

In January, Ally McCoist also stated that he is unsure whether any other player is as good as the treble-winner on the half-turn.

 

Rio Ferdinand says Phil Foden is the best player in the world on the half-turn

During City’s loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, Phil Foden spun past an onrushing Thomas Partey, eventually leading to Cole Palmer’s tremendous opening strike for his former side at Wembley Stadium.

 

Since then, the Englishman has used the skill to full effect, especially when deployed in a central position, such as in the Sky Blues’ 3-1 win against Everton.

 

Rio Ferdinand believes that on the half-turn, Manchester City technician Phil Foden is in a league of his own when compared to any other player in the world.

 

MORE MAN CITY STORIES

Everton FC v Manchester City – Premier League

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

“For instance, when you get Phil Foden in a number eight, ten slot and he turns and faced defenders, there ain’t anyone in world football who I see does it as clean as and as potent as him. Turns, slots someone”, he said on FIVE’s official YouTube channel.

 

“Especially the first part of the season when [Erling] Haaland and [Kevin] De Bruyne weren’t there. In that number eight, ten slot there where the likes of [Martin] Odegaard play, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne play at times, the likes of [Kai] Havertz plays for Arsenal, there ain’t no one.”

 

 

Rio Ferdinand went on to claim that even Kevin De Bruyne is not as proficient at the sumptuous piece of skill than Phil Foden.

 

“Even Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t turn in the way Foden does in those tight pockets and you can go to Man City and say, ‘Who is the person that turns the best and owns that area the best since David Silva?’ And they’ll all go Phillip Foden.”

 

Phil Foden must be given the chance to showcase this skill against Brentford

In our view, Rio Ferdinand is bang on the money about just how much of an expert Phil Foden is on the half-turn.

 

 

As Manchester City prepare to face Brentford on Tuesday, in our view, Foden should be given a chance to showcase this piece of skill by playing in the middle of the park.

 

Considering Julian Alvarez struggled to impact proceedings against Chelsea, it may be wise for Pep Guardiola to play the Stockport-born midfielder alongside Kevin De Bruyne against the Bees.

 

Phil Foden could help the hosts dismantle the West London side’s compact structure by spinning past their midfielders on the half-turn and creating space for himself and his teammates to score and create goals.

 

 

‘I like to play there’: Manuel Akanji names his favourite position in Man City

Swiss international Manuel Akanji is showcasing his versatility at Man City, expressing his willingness to play anywhere to support the team.

 

 

Akanji, who has graced the Etihad since his arrival, has been a key figure across the backline. However, he has recently found joy and opportunity in a midfield role.

 

Quoted by Mancity.com, Akanji said: “I am enjoying it. Sometimes I prefer to play in the defence, sometimes in midfield, sometimes as a full-back. It depends on how the game goes.”

 

“I think what I have to focus most on when I play in midfield is to check my surroundings with what is happening behind me.”

 

“I like to play there and I can also use my physicality to put my body in between and try to maybe go in front. I am trying to do better and improve game by game and every training session.”