Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Manchester City ace Phil Foden are at very similar points in their careers with both England international's thriving in the Premier League. The exciting duo are currently engulfed in two major battles with their respective clubs fighting for the title and the pair seemingly competing for one spot in England's starting XI.
With Man City dominating English football for the last few seasons, the spot light has firmly been focused on Foden. However, in this campaign Saka has been the young starlet to make his mark scoring his 13th goal of the season in the weekend victory over Crystal Palace.
Despite spending a number of games starting on the subs bench, Foden also has 13 goals this season, but his own contributions in front of goal have been overshadowed by Erling Haaland who hit the 42-goal mark last Saturday with hat-trick number six since his move to England from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
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While both being on 13 goals for the season, Saka and Foden are also closely linked positionally for the England national team. At club level the duo prefer playing on the right that allows them to cut inside on their stronger left foot.
In the World Cup last-16 against Senegal and quarter-final defeat to France, they both started either side of Harry Kane, with Foden on the left. However, for the first Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy Saka has been preferred to Foden with his club teammate Jack Grealish on the other wing.
Despite their respective clubs being entrenched in an intense battle for Premier League glory and the competition for places on an international level, Foden clearly holds Saka in a high regard.
“Definitely, I learn from him," Foden told Evening Standard when asked about Saka. "From him missing that penalty, he’s turned it around with his performances on the pitch for club & country. He’s such a nice lad & everyone loves him. He’s a big part of what we do here.”
“It shows what a person he is. He’s such a young lad, he’s still developing & still learning about the game. For him to come back from something like that [Euro 2020 final penalty miss] just shows the courage he’s got & how much he’s come on. I’m so happy for him.”
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