‘He’s Really, Really Good’ – Pep Guardiola Says Man City Have a Hidden Gem Who Reminds Him of Phil Foden… and He Might Just Be the Next Big Star at the Etihad

James McAtee may not yet be a household name among Manchester City fans, but Pep Guardiola’s latest comments suggest that may be about to change. The 22-year-old academy graduate is being hailed as one of the club’s most exciting young talents, with the City boss drawing comparisons to none other than Phil Foden.

As Manchester City prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture against Everton, Guardiola took time out in his pre-match media duties to highlight McAtee’s recent progress. Having faced a season full of starts and stops, the young midfielder is beginning to force his way into the conversation—both at the Etihad and across Europe.

The turning point came last weekend, when McAtee was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign against Crystal Palace. City thrashed the Eagles 5-2, and McAtee didn’t just blend in — he stood out. His goal, marked by sharp movement and cool finishing, showcased exactly why Guardiola is so excited about his development.

This wasn’t just a cameo or a lucky moment. It was the kind of performance that has started to shift narratives and reignite the belief that McAtee can become a key figure in City’s stacked midfield. And yet, his future at the club remains anything but certain.

McAtee’s current deal runs through 2026, but several Premier League and European clubs are monitoring his situation closely. The lack of consistent minutes, despite his clear talent, has fueled speculation that he might seek a move away in search of more regular playing time.

Still, Guardiola remains hopeful. “For his age, I would love for him to stay,” he told City’s media team. “He’s come through the academy, he understands our patterns, he’s versatile, and above all, he’s a fantastic person with a great attitude in training.”

The Spaniard, known for his high standards and tactical demands, doesn’t hand out praise lightly. For McAtee to earn such words is significant. It points not just to his technical skill, but to the professionalism and work ethic he’s shown behind the scenes.

Yet even Guardiola admits the challenge of finding minutes for everyone in such a talent-rich squad. “I understand the frustration,” he added. “All players want to play more, especially someone like Macca, who trains brilliantly and has shown he can deliver when given the chance.”

Balancing youth development with the need to win trophies is always a delicate act at top clubs, and City are no exception. The likes of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer (before his transfer to Chelsea) have all faced similar hurdles, each walking a unique path.

Guardiola sees echoes of Foden in McAtee. “Macca has that quality inside the box — he reads the game so well and gets into dangerous positions,” he explained. “Honestly, he could’ve scored three or four goals against Palace. He lives close to the goal, just like Phil. That awareness, that timing, it’s hard to teach. It’s natural, and he’s got it.”

Such praise places McAtee in elite company. Foden, once considered City’s “Stockport Iniesta,” is now a central figure for both club and country. If McAtee can follow that trajectory, the future could be incredibly bright — but only if he’s given the platform.

For now, all signs point to more chances before the season wraps up. City are competing on multiple fronts, and rotation will be crucial. That gives McAtee an opening to continue showcasing why he deserves a seat at the table.

Whether or not he stays at the Etihad long-term is the million-pound question. Guardiola’s endorsement will no doubt weigh heavily in the minds of the City hierarchy, but for McAtee, the desire to play consistently may outweigh loyalty.

Still, with a manager like Guardiola in his corner, few environments offer the same potential for growth. If McAtee can break into this City team and stay there, the rewards — both personal and collective — would be immense.

The coming weeks may prove pivotal. A strong finish to the season could shift the narrative from “will he leave?” to “how soon can he start regularly?” Guardiola appears keen to take that gamble.

Whether McAtee becomes the next Foden or forges a path of his own, one thing is now clear: Manchester City have a hidden gem in their ranks. And Pep Guardiola has just made sure the footballing world is paying attention.