Our women’s first team manager is one of a number of people to have helped the midfielder on his journey to the first team, having worked with the 20-year-old during his time as a coach in Manchester City’s Academy.
Taylor admits that whilst Foden’s talent was obvious, his slender frame was a cause for concern when he was younger.
However, the former City striker says it was a privilege to watch the youngster grow into a first team player and is confident he is only going to get better in the future.
“It was amazing [to watch him develop],” he said on the We’re Not Really Here show ahead of City’s win over Burnley.
“Your only concern was how small he was and how slight he was, but if you see him now you wouldn’t know.
“He is quick, he is agile, he is strong. He has got this wonderful ability to take the ball in any area and he plays with his heart.
“We’re really fortunate and I know Pep is because he has mentioned on so many occasions that we’re really lucky to have him.
“I am a big fan of Phil. I was fortunate enough to work with him and he has done amazing up to now and he’s got a really bright future ahead of him.”
Liam Delap is another of City’s promising crop of youngsters to have worked with Taylor.
The 17-year-old, who scored on his debut earlier this season, played for City’s women’s boss last season, as part of our national title-winning Under-18s.
And, like Foden, Taylor has been encouraged by what he has seen from the striker.
“He has got a bit of stock having Rory [Delap] as his father,” he added.
“It’s great that Liam has come into the club and hit the ground running. He made a great start to his first team career.
“I had a good conversation with Pep about Liam and we were very similar in our thoughts.
“He’s a bit of a throwback centre-forward who likes to get stuck in and just keeping him on the right side of the law is key.
“He’s a very good player with a bright future ahead of him.”
You can watch full-match replays of every men’s first team game with a CITY+ subscription.
