Paul Gascoigne has told Noel Gallagher to "get a grip" after the Oasis star suggested Phil Foden could far exceed the former England playmaker.
Foden, 23, was named the Premier League's player of the season in a campaign where he helped Manchester City shake off the injury-enforced absences of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne to retain the title. He scored twice in the final day victory over West Ham which secured top spot and ended the campaign with a career-best 19 league goals.
City fan Gallagher has high expectations for Foden, who emulated Gazza's iconic Euro 96 haircut for Euro 2020. Foden has the chance to further cement his reputation this summer, having been named in Gareth Southgate's preiliminary squad ahead of the upcoming Euros in Germany.
The Gascoirgne comparisons haven't been popular with everyone, though. And that includes the 56-year-old former Newcastle and Tottenham star himself.
"I think [Foden's] more dynamic, I think he's quicker, and I think I will eventually be proved right," Gallagher told talkSPORT. "Maybe there's not much between them now but five years from now, Phil Foden will be three times the player Gascoigne was."
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea - Kick-off time, TV channel and team newsGascoigne wasn't letting that slide, though. “Noel, get a grip, you want to roll with it,” the former midfielder said in a video shared on social media.
"Foden, unbelievable player but not a Gazza. Don’t put the lad under pressure. Anyway Liam Gallagher is twice the singer you will ever be, so get a grip."
How important will Foden be for England this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Foden has starred in a central role for his club this season, but may be forced to play a different role for England. Cole Palmer has also thrived centrally for Chelsea, while Jude Bellingham has excelled in an advanced role at Real Madrid, but Gascoigne's former international team-mate Gary Lineker has been banging the drum for Foden.
"He has to start in that side, but it's a question of where because we're spoiled for number 10s in the squad," Lineker told William Hill. "Having said that, he can play on either wing too. I'd be interested to see how and where he features for England.
"I'd like to see him play the number 10 role with Jude Bellingham in midfield. Whether Gareth Southgate goes with that, we'll have to wait and see. I've been a fan of Foden for a long time. He's been fabulous this season.
"He can play in any position and he's realising that potential that we all saw in him. I love the way he takes the ball on the half-turn, the way he finishes, his work-rate, his energy. His first touch is sublime. He's a joy to watch."
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