Cesc Fabregas has urged Phil Foden to take more responsibility on the pitch if he wants to be compared to legends like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
The Manchester City star had a poor outing in England’s 1-0 Euro 2024 win over Serbia on Sunday, despite high expectations.
Fabregas, speaking to the BBC, pointed the key difference between Foden and his former Barcelona teammates.
“It’s mindset, it’s all about the mentality,” Fabregas stated. “Players like Foden, Trent (Alexander-Arnold), Bellingham, or (Declan) Rice have the quality to control the game, but they need to want it more.”
While Jude Bellingham was the star of the show, leading Gareth Southgate’s side to victory, Foden’s performance left fans desiring more.
Fabregas went on to elaborate the difference in approach between Foden and the likes of Xavi and Iniesta.
“When Serbia pressed, we saw Foden making hurried decisions. Xavi and Iniesta would never do that; they took responsibility under pressure.”
He continued, “It’s time for Foden to grow in a big tournament with the nation behind him. Players like him need to step up and take responsibility.”
Praising Bellingham’s impact, Fabregas added, “The way we see Jude imposing himself, Foden owes us this class. He needs to do that himself.”
