Close Menu

    Phil Foden ‘has potential’ to be England’s first Ballon D’or winner in decades – Thomas Frank

    Premier League
    0x0

    Phil Foden is “the closest England get to a Ballon d’Or winner in the future,” according to Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

    Ahead of their upcoming rematch at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening, Frank emphasized his high regard for the 23-year-old Foden, who has been in excellent form for City this season and even scored a hat-trick against Frank’s side in their last meeting at the start of February.

    “Phil Foden is a very good player,” said Frank. “For me, he’s the closest England get to a Ballon d’Or winner in the future. I think he has that potential, that level.”

    Foden played a pivotal role in City’s historic Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble last season and has continued his impressive form into the 2023-24 campaign.

    The versatile attacking midfielder has been instrumental, contributing 15 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions. In a recent Champions League clash against Copenhagen, Foden once again made his mark by scoring a goal and providing an assist, helping City secure a crucial 3-1 away victory and take control of their last 16 tie in the competition.

    3176b5cc c650 4e74 b944 a6ff38a58e11 phil foden

    “He influences the game in so many ways,” Frank added.
    “The last game he got on the end of three situations and scored three goals. He is very at good dribbling, very good at sliding people in.
    “He works very hard. He seems to have a good mentality in terms of working hard. He is very good.”

    The Ballon d’Or, the annual prize run by France Football and voted for by national team captains and coaches, hasn’t been won by an English player since Michael Owen in 2001.
    Frank Lampard came closest, coming second in 2005, while last year the highest-ranked England player was Jude Bellingham in 18th, one place above Harry Kane.
    Bukayo Saka was the only other English player in the top 30 in 2023, when Lionel Messi scooped the prize for a record-extending eighth time.
    Foden has twice broken the top 30, finishing 22nd in 2022 and 25th in 2021.

    Keep Reading