FA Community Shield: 3 things we learnt as Manchester City beat Chelsea

#3 Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi are battle ready

Hudson-Odoi impressed against Manchester City

Chelsea sprang a surprise when they fielded Hudson-Odoi on the left wing, ahead of experienced players such as Victor Moses. However, those following Hudson-Odoi’s pre-season would know that he played himself into the starting eleven on the back of his performances.

Hudson-Odoi has been spectacular in pre-season. Against Arsenal, he caused Hector Bellerin all sorts of problems and the Arsenal defender endured a torrid evening. Hudson-Odoi’s greatest assets are his pace and dribbling and it was on display against City as well. He was Chelsea’s brightest player in the first half and was unfortunate to be replaced at the hour-mark.

Having performed in a game of this magnitude, one can safely say that he has the required mental toughness to sustain a full-scale Premier League season. Rather than sending him out on loan, Chelsea should give him his due and let the young 17-year-old ply his trade at Stamford Bridge and enthrall the crowd week in, week out.

Foden against Chelsea in the Community Shield

Phil Foden was given his chance to shine at Wembley by Pep. He did not disappoint and got himself an assist. The most encouraging aspect of his play was the confidence he displayed on the ball. He was willing to ask for the ball under pressure and recycle it. His dribbling prowess was also on show and he linked up well with Mahrez.

Foden was part of the U-17 English squad that won the U-17 World Cup last year. Since then, he seems to have matured as a player and should be given a crack at the first team. Foden has the perfect manager in Pep, who is not afraid to throw youngsters into the mix.

With the Premier League nearly upon us, these English lads’ time in the sun could be just around the corner.