Manchester City's Phil Foden 'obsessed with being the best', says Joleon Lescott - 'Haven’t seen it in many players'

Phil Foden is “obsessed with being the best,” according to Joleon Lescott, while Rio Ferdinand believes the Manchester City star is “in the driving seat” to be named Premier League player of the season.

The England international has been in flying form for City in 2023-24, scoring 18 goals and assisting 10 in 40 appearances as Pep Guardiola’s side look to defend their Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble.

Foden was crucial in the latter case when he bagged a goal and an assist to give his side a 3-1 first leg lead in the last 16 against FC Copenhagen ahead of their second leg clash on Wednesday night.

He also shone in Sunday’s 3-1 Manchester derby win over neighbours United with a double, and former City defender Lescott explained why he isn’t surprised to see a player he has had an eye on since he was coming through the youth ranks flourishing.

“Anyone could see his ability, and anyone would have seen it,” Lescott said on TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.

“But when you are around him and you see him, you see an obsession to be better, to be the best he can be.

“That’s something I don’t see very often in anyone, I haven’t seen it in many players. Phil Foden wants to be the best and he’s obsessed with being the best.”

City will look to move into the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday evening, while they are second in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with league leaders Liverpool at Anfield.

When it comes to the top performers in the English top-flight this season, six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand thinks it’s hard to look past Foden.

He said: “He’s in that mix. When you’re talking about player of the season, who else is there? There’s no one jumping off the page. Ollie Watkins maybe.

“But I think this guy is top of the tree at the moment. There’s still a long way to go in the season, and you’ve got to produce on this home straight.

“He’s used to it, he’s experienced enough, and I think he’s in the driving seat for that trophy.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media