Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning to use Phil Foden as a central midfielder following the Manchester City star’s return from a foot injury.
Foden came on as a substitute during City’s 6-3 win against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with the England international making his first appearance since being ruled out of the Euro 2020 final.
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The 21-year-old has featured predominantly from a role in the front three for club and country, but the Telegraph are reporting that Guardiola is now keen to use Foden in a deeper role this season.
The midfielder replaced Kevin De Bruyne during the win over Leipzig and has been training as part of the midfield three during sessions at the club’s Etihad Campus.
Jack Grealish’s arrival from Aston Villa has increased competition for places in the wide-forward roles, with Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez also amongst City’s attacking options in wide areas this season.
Foden’s positional change could have implications for England, as the midfielder looks to prove his fitness and earn inclusion in the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.
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