Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola said, he hopes midfielder Phil Foden can replace the outgoing David Silva.
There is a likely hood for Foden to start against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday. City already qualified as Champions League Group C winners.
After 10 years, Silva, 33, is leaving City at the end of this season. In this case, Foden will start up for the outgoing Silva.
Guardiola therefore backs the idea and says, “That is our wish. Of course, David is a legend with the number of games and titles. But we believe he can do it.”
Guardiola has said he was “so sorry” for Foden when the 19-year-old came off the bench to score late in a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the reverse fixture in October.
On Tuesday, the manager added, “In some departments, he can improve. Without the ball, because he is so young, sometimes he has to think more about decision-making. It is normal for his page. His development is perfect.”
“I never doubt him. The confidence is always there. If he plays badly the confidence is the same. But always, he plays with a high standard.”
The Premier League champions secured top spot with 1-1 draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their penultimate fixture. On Wednesday, they will travel to face a Dinamo Zagreb side with hopes of qualification for the last 16.
The Ukrainian side, Shakhtar are in pole position to finish as runners-up. But on the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb and Atalanta remain in contention.
City trails Liverpool by 14 points in the Premier League. The club will be without Silva, defender John Stones and striker, Sergio Aguero in Zagreb.
“David had a huge kick in the dangerous part of his leg. It was too much of a risk to play. John is injured for a few weeks. Sergio is much better. But still not ready.” Said Guardiola.
“I accept we will use young players because we have so many injuries. We will put out the best squad for the circumstances. We already qualified and the Premier League is more important right now than the Champions League.”