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Football

10th Oct 2021

Roy Keane got carried away with his Phil Foden-Tom Brady comparisons

Callum Boyle

“He’s just picking people out. He’s got runners and he’s got wide-receivers. He’s making it look so easy.”

ITV pundit Roy Keane praised Phil Foden for his star-performance in England’s 5-0 win over Andorra yesterday [Saturday] and compared his range of passing to American Football legend, Tom Brady.

The 21-year-old played in a slightly deeper role than usual in the midfield, but it didn’t hinder his game with Foden displaying his excellent range of passing.

Playing alongside James Ward-Prowse in a double-pivot role, Foden contributed heavily, setting up England’s first two goals which were scored by Ben Chilwell and Bukayo Saka.

And Foden’s impact was compared by Keane to that of an NFL quarterback, even mentioning him in the same bracket as Brady.

He said: “I love my American Football and Foden has been like a top quarterback.

“He’s been like Tom Brady. He’s just picking people out. He’s got runners and he’s got wide-receivers. He’s making it look so easy.”

Foden’s return from injury has coincided with the Manchester City man coming into a good run of form,  as he scored in his side’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Liverpool and now looks back to his best. But when you’re playing against Andorra, the same Andorra Brian Kerr says would lose to the St Pat’s under-19s, it’s probably not the best gauge of Foden’s abilities.

Keane continued to praise his impact and believes that Foden is “maturing well” and that Gareth Southgate is lucky to have the different variety of options available to him.

The Irishman said: “He’s been maturing well over the last year and he’s been playing most weeks for Man City.

“He’s playing in big games most weeks and in the top competition in Europe.

“Gareth’s got great problems in the next few months but a lot can change in football. With injuries and possible suspensions, a lot can change, but Gareth is a lucky man as he’s got great options.”