‘Through his legs’: Phil Foden hails Arsenal star after nutmegging Chelsea superstar at WC
After helping set up Bukayo Saka for England’s third goal in their 3-0 victory against Senegal on Sunday in the Qatar World Cup, Phil Foden praised the Arsenal youth product’s ‘really good’ timing.
During the second half, the Manchester City playmaker nutmegged Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly to set up a beautiful low cross for Saka, who easily dinked over Edouard Mendy.
Goal number three for the tournament for Saka, who at age 21 is making waves internationally after a sensational start to the Premier League season.
Prior to the first kick of the match, Gareth Southgate made the bold decision to start both players despite his history of favoring Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford’s three goals in the group stage.
Foden told ITV Sport that he had linked up with one of Arsenal’s best players, and that was a good move.
“I saw him lingering around in the box,” said Foden. “I saw Koulibaly come across and I managed to get the cross through his legs.
“Bukayo’s really good at that. Being in the right place at the right time. I was happy that I found him.”
England has nearly a decade to enjoy watching two generational stars, currently aged 21 and 22, tear it up for their country and on the home stage.
Mikel Arteta has worked closely with both players, and Gareth Southgate is fortunate to have them both on his roster.
Whether it’s their smooth first touch or their adept ball-carrying skills, these players have the makings of future world-class stars.
The great talent available to England, especially when combined with someone like Jude Bellingham, makes the so-called “difficult job” that has been branded on managers who have taken the England role throughout the years a lot simpler.
‘Through his legs’: Phil Foden hails Arsenal star after nutmegging Chelsea superstar at WC
