sport news Sparkling Phil Foden comes of age at Manchester City

Sparkling Phil Foden comes of age at Manchester City a month short of his 19th birthday in match-winning display against Tottenham Phil Foden shone for Manchester City in a rare start against Spurs on Saturday Foden opened the scoring early for his boyhood club with a close range header The youngster impressed on just his second Premier League start for City Foden came of age just a month short of his 19th birthday at the Etihad Stadium

By Joe Bernstein for MailOnline

Published: 14:39 BST, 20 April 2019 | Updated: 14:55 BST, 20 April 2019

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A month short of his 19th birthday, Phil Foden was given the chance by Pep Guardiola to start his biggest match in Manchester City colours, ahead of stellar names like David Silva and Fernandinho.

A goal after only five minutes – his first in the Premier League – quickly justified Foden's inclusion and he proceeded to trouble Spurs throughout, cheering City fans who are craving for 'one of their own' to be a big part of Pep's revolution.

Foden has been tipped for the top since helping England under-17s become world champions. It's been a source of frustration that he's not appeared more regularly this season, Saturday's game was his 17th Premier League appearance overall, but 15 of them have been made off the bench. 

Phil Foden shone for Manchester City in a rare start against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime

Phil Foden shone for Manchester City in a rare start against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime

With City reeling from their Champions League exit against the same opponents on Wednesday night, Foden was the most eye-catching of three changes made by Guardiola.

He was selected as the most advanced of City's midfielders in a 4-3-3, asked to take up intelligent positions between the Tottenham lines and use his dribbling and passing ability from there.

His attacking intent included making timely runs into the penalty area which caught Spurs out for the early breakthrough – maybe Mauricio Pochettino had planned to be facing Silva or Fernandinho instead.

After five minutes, Bernardo Silva's cross was headed back into

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