Ballon d'Or winner compares Manchester City's Phil Foden to Zinedine Zidane

What's the story?

Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has compared the performances of Manchester City youngster Phil Foden to that of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.

In case you didn't know...

Foden has risen to the spotlight under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, having made 23 appearances for the Premier League defending champions so far this season.

The 18-year-old, who lifted the under-17 World Cup with England, also became the youngest player in the history of the club to score in a Champions League game during City's 7-0 rout of Schalke.

The youngster signed a new long-term contract with the Manchester giants in December last year. The deal will keep him at the Etihad till 2024.

The heart of the matter

Owen has joined a list of football personalities who have hailed the teenager and has compared his ability to keep close control of the ball to that of Zidane.

Speaking on BT Sport, the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner said,

"When I watch him it almost looks like the ball's on a string, it all appears as one movement. He doesn't even have to look at the ball a lot of the time, he just runs with it."

"I was going to mention a name, but I know it will probably make headlines. But Zinedine Zidane was exactly like that. When he used to run it was almost like the ball was constantly within his control. Most people push it ahead and run, and then push it again. It all seems to be as one with him."

"Now, I know he's a different type of player, but he was almost born to be with the ball. Lovely to watch, lovely silky skills."

"It's like the ball is on a string for him, he doesn't even have to look at it.""He was born to be with the ball!" 🙌Michael Owen draws comparisons between Phil Foden and Zinedine Zidane... pic.twitter.com/f9AFeIWDae

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 26, 2019

What's next?

Manchester City will return to action this weekend in a Premier League clash against Fulham.