I would say a loan move or give him more game time and let him become the Mahrez replacement. Trust him and let him develop
I don’t have the stats, but foden started way more games than palmer in the first few seasons of breaking through. At times palmer has impressed, but then hasn’t played consistently for months. Most young players can’t show their talent when they don’t play regularly.
I don’t think you should be comparing any young player to foden. Foden is a generational who everyone knew would make it at 15. Players grow and develop differently. Foden often put in tepid performances when he first started coming through
I think the next player to break through will be Mcatee, but he needed regular game time to adjust and get used to men’s football. Palmer needs the same. The talent is clear as anything though. The club can see it, as can teams like dortmund and Brighton. To even get in our squad as a young players suggests a lot of talent
The difference being few of us thought Foden didn't justify the game time Pep afforded him. Can you honestly say the same about Cole last season? I can't. \0/
I'm pretty sure if Cole warranted more playing time last season, he'd have got it, but he didn't. Says who? Says Pep.
Where we can both agree is that by his own admission, McAtee thought he was better than he was when he arrived at Bramhall Lane, but he was in for a rude awakening!
He admitted he struggled with the step up from U21 football, to Championship level man football, & that it took him months to adjust not just physically, but mentally too.
Once he realised he had to put in every ounce of available effort in training just to be on the bench, things began to click, & for the first time he truly realised what it would take to become an elite level footballer.
The result? Pep reportedly wants him at City next season. Interestingly, I saw a video of him practicing Mahrez like ball trapping, control & shooting from the left techniques. He's a central attacking midfielder by trade, but Pep likes flexibility.
Foden completed his five year first team apprenticeship primarily playing as a right/left winger. However, as we saw in last season's run in, Pep entrusted Phil in a central midfield attacking role, similar to KDB's, with little to no drop off in effectiveness.
The assist for Julian? The brilliant turn in the CL Final where he admitted he should have scored? He's 23 with the world at his feet, playing in his favoured position, at the club he supports & loves. What an idyllic life Foden must have! The boy's living the dream & I couldn't be more chuffed!
As for Cole, he needs to be afforded the space to find himself, his level & to bloom. That ain't happening if his confidence is being crushed weekly by getting splinters in his arse sat on our bench.
A season away is the best for all parties imo mate...
