Guardiola’s Praise Highlights Foden’s New Role
Manchester City’s boss Pep Guardiola could not hide his satisfaction when asked about the future of 24‑year‑old midfielder Phil Foden. The Spaniard told reporters that Foden looks most comfortable and dangerous when operating just behind the front line, a classic number 10 position. "Close to the box he plays in the pockets perfectly," Guardiola said, emphasizing the young England international’s knack for finding space and creating chances when given a little freedom.
The comments came after City’s 2‑0 Carabao Cup win at Huddersfield Town, where Foden opened the scoring with a poise that many thought was missing last season. His first‑half finish, a low‑driven shot from the edge of the area, set the tone for a match that saw the reigning Premier League champions dominate possession but occasionally struggle to thread the decisive pass.
Guardiola’s tactical tweak – moving Foden from his usual wing‑role into a more central, attacking slot – appears to be paying dividends. In the final third, Foden’s movement between the lines has forced opposition defenders to make uncomfortable decisions, often pulling them out of shape and creating pockets of space for his teammates.
Recent Performances Back Up the Switch
Beyond the Huddersfield game, Guardiola pointed to a string of strong outings that have convinced him the midfielder has turned a corner. He cited the 1‑1 draw with Arsenal, the hard‑fought encounter against Manchester United, and the recent fixture versus Napoli, noting that Foden displayed “real threat” and composure under pressure in each case.
When City faced Arsenal, Foden operated just inside the penalty area, linking up quickly with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez. Though the match ended in a stalemate, his ability to drift into dangerous zones and latch onto one‑twos was evident. Against United, he showed a mix of dribbling flair and quick, incisive passes that helped City maintain pressure despite a bruising physical battle.
Napoli, a side known for disciplined defensive structures, offered another test. Foden’s positioning forced the Italian defenders to track his runs, opening lanes for other attackers. While City ultimately fell short, the performance reinforced Guardiola’s belief that the midfielder thrives when given the freedom to roam just behind the striker.
Guardiola also highlighted the chemistry he’s seeing between Foden and emerging talent Nico O'Reilly, who shared the pitch in the Huddersfield victory. The two young Englishmen seem to understand each other’s movements, allowing City to rotate the ball quickly and keep opponents guessing.
Despite the overall dominance, Guardiola admitted his side still wrestles with finding the perfect final pass at times, a reminder that even with Foden’s resurgence, City’s creative engine is still being fine‑tuned. Nonetheless, the manager’s optimism about Foden’s role signals a possible shift in how City will line up for the rest of the season, especially in cup competitions where a versatile playmaker can be a game‑changer.
For Foden, the endorsement from one of football’s most respected tacticians is a vote of confidence that could shape the next phase of his career. If he continues to excel in the number 10 spot, City’s attack could gain the extra spark needed to challenge for every trophy on offer this year.
