“I’ll get some kickback on it” - Michael Brown outlined why Manchester City’s Phil Foden is a ‘better’ player than Chelsea ace Cole Palmer 

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown has claimed that current City star Phil Foden is a better player than Chelsea ace Cole Palmer. The 47-year-old asserted that the Blues talisman 'isn't at Foden's level' yet but noted that he could get there in the future.

Foden racked up 27 goals and 12 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. His stellar performances helped his side lift the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup titles. The Englishman also won the PFA Player of the Year award, cementing his status as the best player in the EPL last season.

On an individual level, Palmer enjoyed an equally good, if not better, debut campaign for Chelsea after joining from Manchester City for a reported £40 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons (August 2023).

Although he couldn't lift any trophies in 2023-24, Palmer was Chelsea's best attacking talent, bagging 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances.

This season, however, things have not gone to plan for Foden, who has missed a few games due to illness. He has made five appearances (one start) so far and is yet to open his account for the season.

Palmer, on the other hand, has picked up where he left off last season. He has six goals and four assists in six EPL games so far, which has powered Chelsea to fourth place on the table.

Yet, Brown backed Foden over the Chelsea superstar during BBC Radio 5's live Football Daily podcast. He said:

"At this moment in time, Phil Foden is ahead of Cole Palmer, yes, he's a better player. He's got more, can we see Palmer coming into aura, then yes, he isn't at Foden's level. That is the point. Could he be soon? Yes. But Foden's just exceptional, he can do things that others can't."

"Listen, I can't argue, he just scored four goals, mate, Phil's not playing so yeah, I get it. I'll get some kickback on it, it's a nice question but Phil is just Phil Foden, isn't he? He's getting close, he's just behind Foden, that's what I said to you," Brown concluded.

With the first game between the two sides ending 2-0, Palmer's Chelsea and Foden's Manchester City will lock horns again in the Premier League on January 25, 2025.

"He will have his minutes" - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola emphasizes Phil Foden's importance in his squad

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola emphasized English attacker Phil Foden's importance to his squad, saying that he 'doesn't need time' to prove himself.

Foden has started just one game this season, a 2-1 win over Watford in the third round of the EFL Cup. He has made three appearances off the bench in the Premier League and one in the Champions League but is yet to score or assist.

Despite the 24-year-old's recent struggles, Guardiola re-affirmed his importance in Manchester City's squad. The Spanish tactician said (via The Independent):

"The thing is he is playing, but Phil [Foden] doesn't need time. When he's clever and fine, it's not a problem. I know how important Phil is, for us, so there's no doubt about that. It doesn’t matter if he starts or comes from the bench. With this amount of games, he will have his minutes, that's for sure."

Foden could potentially make his first UEFA Champions League start of the season in Manchester City's upcoming fixture against Slovan Bratislava on October 1.