Phil Foden names All-Time Premier League XI, Raising Eyebrows
Phil Foden, Manchester City’s 23-year-old star striker, has caused a stir among fans after revealing his dream Premier League XI. Currently enjoying a prolific season with 22 goals, Foden is aiming to help Pep Guardiola’s team achieve a historic feat: winning four consecutive Premier League titles.
With the season reaching its climax and the European Championship looming, Foden sat down with Mail Sport’s Football Editor Ian Ladyman for an interview. The discussion covered Foden’s rise to the top of the sport, the club’s title chase, and the story behind his jersey number (47). But it was his all-time Premier League XI selection that truly sparked online debate.
Beginning with his crucial defensive lineup, Foden first selected the present City goalkeeper, Ederson, followed by placing Kyle Walker in the right-back position.
”I’m serious though, I don’t see another right back,” he insisted
Phil Foden’s dream team: Central defense and midfield
Moving into the center of defense, Foden’s surprise selection saw him pair Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany with his current on-field rival, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. This formidable partnership combines Kompany’s leadership and defensive prowess with van Dijk’s composure and world-class ability.
Rounding out the back four is the versatile Ashley Cole, who enjoyed trophy-laden spells with both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Shifting focus to midfield, Foden opted for a balanced pairing. The creative genius of Manchester City’s David Silva, a four-time Premier League champion, is partnered with the imposing presence of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
Foden explained his reasoning, highlighting the need for protection for Silva: “I feel like [Silva] needs that protection, so it’s a good balance.”
De Bruyne’s exclusion raises eye brows
The decision to exclude De Bruyne from his fantasy XI sparked controversy among City fans on social media.
One said. ”No KDB Foden needs to be benched next game just for this”
Another wrote, ”Replace any midfielder with kdb and ederson with any good gk and he’s spot on”
Foden’s Dream Team: Attack draws attention
Phil Foden opted for a two-striker formation, featuring Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero alongside Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. This pairing reunites Premier League greats and brings firepower to the front line.
Adding another layer of surprise, Foden included Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-time rival but undeniable goal-scoring machine. This decision meant a shift in position for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who found himself deployed on the right wing to accommodate the three-pronged attack.
Watch the video as posted on X:
Phil Foden picks his ULTIMATE Premier League all-time XI, and what a team it is 🤩 pic.twitter.com/BOUy7S1IMo
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) April 19, 2024
Phil Foden’s Premier League dream team in full:
Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Van Dijk, A. Cole; Ronaldo, Vieira, D. Silva, Henry, Rooney, Aguero