Phil Foden: Rio Ferdinand predicts 'passing of the torch' is coming at Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne

Rio Ferdinand believes Phil Foden is the ready-made replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City and is emerging to be so “with a big charge”.

De Bruyne produced a stunning brace in a 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday as he recorded his 100th goal for Man City, just days after Foden bagged a hat-trick in a comfortable win over Aston Villa.

Both players are seemingly locked in a battle for the offensive central-midfield position in the City line-up, which can only be a good thing for Pep Guardiola as the pair continue to excel.

Ever since a then-17-year-old Foden broke into the Man City team seven years ago, arguably the club's most successful academy graduate has steadily forced himself into contention and has now featured over 260 times under Guardiola.

Since joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has produced 267 goal contributions in over 370 games, playing a crucial role in the club’s Premier League and UEFA Champions League success.

Ferdinand believes the Belgian, 32, is still in his prime, but can see the “passing of the torch” coming after Foden’s recent performances, who he feels can become one of Europe’s best players.

“He has the ability to do that. He can be the man that they look to and be the go-to guy,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

“I think Pep Guardiola has been building him towards that, whether that is going to be right now or not I don’t know.

“He’s still got Kevin De Bruyne in the ranks. When you’ve got someone like Kevin De Bruyne and what he’s done and what he does, it’s hard to move him aside.

“He’s still in the prime of his career, De Bruyne, but I think Phil Foden is really putting his case forward to say ‘Listen, I’m the go-to guy’.

“The bigger question is, can you play both of them in central areas together? We haven’t really seen it yet I don’t think.

“That’s a question for me, but I do think the passing of the torch is coming soon because Phil Foden is coming with a big charge.”

Foden did not play a part in Man City’s comeback win over Palace, with the expectation that he will start the club’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Whether Foden, De Bruyne, or both play, Joe Cole feels the 23-year-old will “play a pivotal role” in the tie as City look to defend their crown.

He also cannot wait to see Foden line up against his England international team-mate Jude Bellingham.

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Tuesday’s mouth-watering tie, Cole said: “Arguably the two most exciting young players on the pitch are both English. Foden and Bellingham.

“Foden is in that final third, he likes to play central, but I don’t mind him starting on the right if that’s where Pep chooses to start him, or whether he chooses him in the middle, as long as whatever the set-up, Foden gets on the ball and gets freedom in the final third.

“We’re so blessed and privileged that we have two great, great young players in that midfield.”

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