Foden has blossomed into one of City’s most exciting talents for many years over the past year or so and Goater believes the sky is the limit for the 20 year-old Academy graduate.
“I say it every time, in the next five years he’s challenging for the Ballon d’Or. He affects games every time he plays,” said Goater on the Swansea edition of We’re Not Really Here.
“I like Phil when he’s central, his dribbling qualities come to the fore. When he’s wide he plays the role for the team and keeps that width. He pirouettes, dribbles and does all sorts, this guy,
“Look at the Liverpool game. Andy Robertson is a brilliant defender, but Foden gets beyond him before he can change his feet.
“That is quick in how he’s shifted it and the power he’s hit it with, the keeper had no chance.
“Him seeing everything from a little lad walking out when he was a mascot, I’m seeing a kid who’s confident.
“He’s playing with world class players, it ticks all the boxes, this club - this is the direction it wants to go in.”
Another former City favourite Kevin Horlock echoed Goater’s sentiments.
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“His first touch is immense under pressure, shimmies it left, I know we’ve been speaking about him a lot, but he could go anywhere, this kid,” said Horlock.
“I prefer him further up the field, but good players can play anywhere. He’s so comfortable on the ball.
“He could play deeper but further up he’s just a threat. He’s silky smooth, balanced, he’s so pleasing on the eye and he’s backing it up.
“He’s got unbelievable players around him and a manager who’s nursing him the right way.
“He could be one that becomes a real, genuine legend here. He’s living every Blue’s dream.
“But in that same breath he’s delivering. It’s music to my ears and most Blues I imagine when he says he doesn’t want to go anywhere else!”
