“I took it into my own training” – Manchester City forward outlines Lionel Messi and Dani Alves influence

Phil Foden has revealed the impact Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Dani Alves had on a specific aspect to his game.

The Manchester City and England star has outlined the influence of the Barcelona pair during an interview while in Qatar.

Foden was one of five City players selected for the FIFA World Cup by Gareth Southgate, alongside Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish.

The 22 year-old featured in four matches for the Three Lions, scoring once and regisiting two assists.

England suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to France in World Cup quarter-finals, as Harry Kane missed a late penalty.

Foden has also become key to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with the boyhood blue approaching 200 appearances for the club.

The forward has already won 11 pieces of silverware and was named PFA Young Player of the Year for a second successive season in June.

Foden has scored eight goals for City so far this season in all competitions, memorably scoring a hat-trick against Manchester United in October.

The 22 year-old has now revealed the impact two Barcelona legends have had on his game, detailing watching Lionel Messi and Dani Alves while at the City Football Academy.

“I remember back in the Academy and Man City played Barcelona. I remember Messi and Dani Alves doing it [two-touch] from a massive distance and didn’t drop it once! That’s the first time I’d seen anyone do it, and I took it into my own training.

“Over the years as I’ve practiced it, I’ve just got better and better at it. It’s not easy, not an easy technique to get the pass right, and obviously your touch has got to be on point as well.”

Foden has never faced Barcelona competitively, with the Sky Blues last playing the Catalan giants in the UEFA Champions League in 2016.

The England international did however feature at the Camp Nou in August, starting a charity friendly which finished 3-3.