Phil Foden has emerged as a shining beacon in the Premier League firmament, representing Manchester City. This season, he has surpassed all his previous performances and is a strong contender for the PFA Player of the Year accolade.
His exceptional talent is evident not just in his gameplay but also in his profound understanding of the game, as recently showcased in an interview with the Daily Mail where he disclosed his all-time Premier League dream team.
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Comprising five of his past colleagues alongside a host of present and prospective legends, it’s a squad that sets a high bar, daring anyone to assemble a more formidable lineup.
Phil Foden’s All-Time Premier League XI
Goalkeeper
Ederson
Ederson, the first of Phil Foden’s five notable teammates, stands out as a groundbreaking figure among Premier League goalkeepers. His footwork and ball-handling skills have redefined the role of the goalkeeper, setting a new standard for the position.
This February, the Brazilian goalkeeper achieved a milestone, setting a new club record for the most clean sheets, overtaking Joe Hart’s previous record.
His name is already among the top 15 for clean sheets in the history of the Premier League, and it’s expected that he will continue to ascend in this ranking. His selection by Foden underscores a contemporary yet reliable starting point for any dream team.
Right Back
Kyle Walker
Succeeding Ederson in Phil Foden’s selection is his fellow Manchester City defender, Kyle Walker. His preference over renowned players like Gary Neville and Trent Alexander-Arnold elicited a chuckle from the interviewer.
Foden, however, defended his pick assertively, claiming he has yet to witness a superior right-back during his career.
Walker, known for his exceptional pace, stands as one of the toughest defenders to outmaneuver in a one-on-one situation.
Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, he has honed his skills with the ball even further. The fact that he has maintained his position on the team, despite expectations of a transition, speaks volumes about Walker’s skill and resilience.
Centre-Back
Vincent Kompany
In the heart of defense, Foden’s prime pick is none other than his ex-skipper, now at the helm of Burnley, Vincent Kompany. A titan in defense, Kompany’s legacy at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is legendary.
His iconic goal that clinched the title against Leicester City in his swan song season stands as a testament to his monumental influence in the North West.
Surpassing legends like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemanja Vidic for a spot in this lineup is a remarkable achievement. The profound impact Kompany has left on Foden, a product of City’s youth system, is undeniable. This choice is far from symbolic; Kompany’s inclusion is a tribute to his exceptional merit.
Centre-Back
Virgil Van Dijk
Foden’s first pick outside of Manchester City is the formidable Virgil Van Dijk, a rival he respects greatly from numerous intense title races against the Liverpool leader.
Van Dijk, a pivotal figure in Jurgen Klopp’s overhaul of Liverpool, almost made history as the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro to clinch the Ballon d’Or.
His comeback from a severe knee injury has been nothing short of extraordinary, and at 32, he’s performing at the peak of his powers. By edging out other footballing icons for a spot in this elite squad, Van Dijk solidifies his status as one of the greats of the modern era.
Left Back
Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole is synonymous with Premier League excellence. His defensive acumen was unparalleled, consistently positioning himself perfectly to thwart attacks and even catalyze goals for his side. His trophy-laden stints with Arsenal and Chelsea are a testament to his elite status.
Cole’s sustained success at the pinnacle of football, despite the game’s evolution, speaks to his visionary approach to defense. He set the standard for future generations.
Foden’s inclusion of Cole in his ultimate XI is a nod to the indelible mark Cole left on the sport—his defensive mastery deemed indispensable for the quintessential dream team.
Right Wing
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry’s inclusion in any all-time Premier League XI is a given, even if it’s not in his preferred position. Lauded as the division’s finest by GIVEMESPORT, Henry propelled Arsenal to the zenith of English football, epitomizing their unbeaten campaign.
Endowed with speed, strength, and elegance, the ex-Barcelona forward was a maestro with the ball. His knack for scoring was matched by his ability to craft chances for his peers. Indeed, the Premier League owes much of its allure and competitive spirit to virtuosos like Henry.
Centre Midfield
David Silva
Eschewing the likes of Scholes, Lampard, Gerrard, and De Bruyne, Foden’s choice falls on the maestro he was groomed to succeed at Manchester City.
David Silva, the mentor to Foden in his formative years, was a virtuoso of finesse and subtlety on the pitch. His game wasn’t about physical dominance; it was a cerebral play, a strategic battle akin to chess, where he outsmarted opponents with his exceptional game intelligence and technical prowess.
In this dream team, Silva assumes the role of the advanced playmaker, a position that demands a robust midfield enforcer to complement his creative genius.
Centre Midfield
Patrick Vieira
Who could be a more commanding presence to complement David Silva than Patrick Vieira? His imposing figure alone was enough to unsettle any adversary on the field.
To pigeonhole him as merely an enforcer does him a disservice; Vieira possessed a finesse with the ball that belied his robust frame. He had the unique ability to navigate through midfield defenses, offering a stark contrast to Silva’s style.
Not only was he a visionary with his passes, but he also contributed goals occasionally. His storied confrontations with peers like Roy Keane have only burnished his legendary status. The synergy between Vieira and Silva in midfield promises to be nothing less than spellbinding.
Left Wing
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is often associated with the left flank, yet during his Premier League tenure, he predominantly graced the right wing. It was at Real Madrid where he truly owned the left side. Upon his celebrated return to the Premier League in 2021, he took on the role of a central striker.
As the most recent Premier League recipient of the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo’s legacy in football is unparalleled. His inclusion in this dream team is expected, despite a fleeting moment where it seemed Phil Foden might omit Manchester United legends. Leaving out a player of Ronaldo’s caliber would have certainly raised eyebrows.
Striker
Sergio Aguero
Being recognized by a defender of Virgil Van Dijk’s caliber as one of his most formidable adversaries is a testament to a player’s profound influence. Sergio Aguero, the top foreign goalscorer in Premier League history, played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s ascent to the pinnacle of English football.
Aguero’s dramatic last-minute goal against QPR in 2012 etched his name into the annals of the league’s most memorable moments.
Yet, his contributions didn’t end there. He consistently proved himself as one of the premier strikers in the nation. The Argentine marksman departed the English stage adorned with multiple league titles and a host of records, cementing his legacy.
Striker
Wayne Rooney
The experience of being thrust into the limelight as a teenager is something only a few can relate to, among them Phil Foden and Wayne Rooney.
Rooney exploded onto the football stage at the tender age of 16, much like Micah Richards, and remained a dominant force for over fifteen years. Known for his audacious goals from the halfway line, acrobatic bicycle kicks, and as Manchester United’s leading scorer, Rooney’s career was nothing short of extraordinary, even though some speculate he never fully tapped into his potential.
His selflessness and willingness to put the team above himself only amplify his suitability for this dream team. Rooney’s adaptability, tenacity, and leadership, coupled with his extraordinary talent, have earned him a reputation as one of the most well-rounded players in Premier League history.
