Following his hat-trick performance against Aston Villa, Phil Foden expressed his preference for operating centrally rather than out wide, showcasing his versatility and burgeoning talent as a Manchester City standout.
City’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Villa served as a stark contrast to their previous goalless stalemate against Arsenal, with Foden seizing the spotlight in the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, elevating his season goal tally to an impressive 21.
While Foden is poised to feature prominently for England at Euro 2024, manager Gareth Southgate has shown reluctance in deploying him as a No.10, favoring Jude Bellingham in that pivotal role instead. Despite being deployed on the left wing for his country, Foden has now made it clear that his preferred position lies in the heart of the midfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Foden emphasized his comfort and effectiveness in the central role, citing his ability to exploit pockets of space and contribute technically to the game. He credited Pep Guardiola’s guidance in finding the right balance between attacking instinct and tactical awareness, highlighting his growing maturity and adaptability on the field.
Rio Ferdinand, a vocal advocate for Foden’s central deployment, reiterated his stance following the Villa match, urging Southgate to harness Foden’s potential in the No.10 role. He emphasized the necessity of accommodating Foden alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham in a dynamic midfield trio, praising their collective football intelligence and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
As Foden continues to evolve and demonstrate his footballing acumen, the consensus among pundits like Ferdinand is clear: in crucial moments and top-tier competitions, players of Foden’s caliber are indispensable assets capable of producing game-changing performances.
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