Jamie Carragher slams Guardiola for ruining generational talent who can’t get in Man City team
Jamie Carragher thinks Phil Foden is falling behind other talented English players because he can’t get into the Manchester City starting XI.
The 23-year-old started the Cityzen’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal on the bench, with Pep Guardiola opting to start Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez instead.
Foden started 22 matches for Man City last season, scoring 11 goals and making five assists in the process.
Despite putting in some excellent performances and undoubtedly being a huge talent, his progress could be damaged by a lack of consistent playing time.
These sentiments are echoed by Carragher, who has fumed about Guardiola’s decision to start Alvarez over Foden on Sunday.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said: “Phil Foden is not young anymore. Three or four years ago, we were saying he was going to be the best English player.
“It almost feels like Jude Bellingham has become that player, where he’s the one we build this England team around. Foden can’t quite get in the England team and can’t get in the Manchester City team.
“Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have left, and they’re playing in the Community Shield a week before the season begins, and he still can’t get in the starting eleven.
“We all know how good he is – what is it that’s stopping him? Pep played Alvaréz behind Haaland – that’s a position where Foden could play, but he still doesn’t play him.”
As mentioned by Carragher, the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez should, in theory, afford Foden more playing time this season.
There is still plenty of other competition for starting places, however. Kevin de Bruyne, Cole Palmer, Alvarez, Silva and Grealish will all be competing with Foden.
Silva is has been heavily linked with a departure from Man City for a number of months. Barcelona remain interested in signing the Portugal international, but it is unclear whether they can afford to match his price tag of approximately £70m.
If he does leave, Foden could see his minutes increase, but Guardiola would ideally prefer to keep him for another season.
Man City could, however, bring in another attacking player this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly considering a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who is also a target for Chelsea.
His arrival would only frustrate Foden further. Although, the Cityzens are yet to make a concrete offer for the 21-year-old’s services.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Foden starts Man City’s Premier League opener against Burnley on Friday.
