The Sun's Tom Barclay has claimed that Manchester City teenager Cole Palmer is just as talented as Phil Foden.

Foden has shone in City's first-team over the last 18 months, and Barclay feels Palmer has the ability to follow in his footsteps.

Who is Cole Palmer?

Prior to this season, Palmer had only made two senior appearances for the Premier League champions. He has started to feature more regularly this term, though, playing five times across all competitions.

He scored his first goal for Pep Guardiola's men last month in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe, and he followed that up earlier this week by netting his maiden Champions League goal.

Coming off the bench away at Club Brugge, the 19-year-old latched onto Raheem Sterling's cut-back, and curled a beautiful effort into the corner of the net.

Based on his performances in recent weeks, it looks like City have another special talent on their hands.

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What has Barclay said about Palmer?

Barclay certainly seems to think that Palmer has a very bright future ahead of him, and he has drawn comparisons between the rising star and Foden.

Speaking about Palmer to GIVEMESPORT, Barclay said: “He’s got such technical ability on the ball. He can play more centrally so it will be really interesting to see where Pep Guardiola sees him long-term.

“But we do feel like we’re talking about a similar local lad who’s got as much ability on the ball as Phil Foden.”

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Is it too early to compare Palmer to Foden?

Palmer still has plenty of work to do if he is going to operate at the same level as Foden. The England international scored 16 goals last season for City, and has been in sparkling form this year as well.

In fact, he was arguably the best player on the pitch when City thrashed Club Brugge 5-1 on Tuesday, as he set up the opening goal of the game with a delightful through ball. Palmer certainly has a lot to live up to.

Still, the similarities between the duo are undeniable. The pair grew up in the same area, have come through the club's academy, and they are both technically sound left-footed midfielders.

Guardiola was initially patient with Foden, and he is now reaping the benefits of this approach, having gone from strength to strength in the last couple of seasons.

We will now have to see how the Spanish coach uses Palmer over the coming months, but it would not be a major surprise if he makes rapid progress, like Foden did, between now and the end of the campaign. 

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