Pep Guardiola has discussed the development of Phil Foden at Manchester City and why the midfielder is ‘fundamental’ to his side.
Foden is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football and has grown in status at the Etihad in recent seasons, with the 20-year-old having scored five goals in nine starts for the club in all competitions this season.
The academy graduate has also forced his way into the senior England squad and scored twice for Gareth Southgate’s side against Iceland in November, with the star in contention to feature at next summer’s European Championships.
Foden came through the ranks as a midfielder but has been deployed in a more advanced role of late, often featuring on either flank and occasionally as a false nine at the forefront of the attack.
Guardiola admits he has been pleased with the progress that Foden has made and believes the youngster will eventually play in midfield as he matures, though praised the Stockport-born star’s ability to play multiple positions in the Manchester City side.
“He’s so good, now in the moment I see him play upfront for the dynamic, the sense of goal and the pressure,” the Catalan said at his pre-match press conference.
“I’m pretty sure with the age and years, when he’s 24, 25, he’ll be able to play more in the defensive positions.
“He has to understand more but it’s part of the age. He can play both wingers or the striker.
“As a manager to have a player who can play in these positions it’s fundamental.”
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