Foden could play left-back or four other positions for Man City, says Guardiola
Phil Foden's generational talent could aid Manchester City at left-back or four alternative positions, claims Pep Guardiola.
The England international, 22, netted a first career hat-trick in the 6-3 demolition of arch-rivals Manchester United at the weekend, playing a starring role on the right of City's frightening front three. Opening the scoring with a slick finish at then near post, Foden rounded off an exceptional first half for Guardiola's men by nipping in ahead of Tyrell Malacia to hand the home side a 4-0 lead at the interval.
Keen not to be outshone by Erling Haaland, who also bagged three in the derby, Foden then latched onto the Norwegian's cute pass inside the area before firing past David de Gea to claim the match ball.
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And while Foden is currently enjoying linking up with City's £51million summer signing in a wide role, club captain Kevin De Bruyne believes his natural evolution will eventually see the 22-year-old employed in a central midfield role.
"I think eventually he will end up playing centrally in my opinion," said De Bruyne after the 6-3 thumping. "But in this moment in time, it is maybe a little bit better for him on the wing to have more freedom and fewer instructions so he flows into the game.
"I eventually see him playing more centrally when he gets older and gets more stamina. It’s all about little details to just find more consistency in the performances."
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to echo the thoughts of the Belgian maestro in his post-match press conference.
Guardiola said: "Yeah, absolutely, I agree with Kevin, he hasn’t played that many times. Phil can play in five positions. I would say he can even play as a left-back. He played a few minutes there at home and he played really well."
Though the former Barcelona boss also stated that Foden is not the finished product and his game needs developing when out of possession.
Guardiola continued: "To play in the middle he might have to play a little more attention and in some aspects, he still has to grow. He still has room for his natural, unbelievable instinct to play football.
"When you play in the middle you have to pay attention to what’s around you and close to you. From the side it’s easier, in the middle you have many things happen there.
"I wouldn’t say with the ball, it’s without the ball. In this he needs to improve, Phil, but it’s normal at his age, and with his desire to learn he will do it, there’s no doubt."
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