admin Phil Foden could be set for a Manchester City position change this season – but Pep Guardiola has warned of no quick results in midfield.
Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden’s versatility could be Manchester City’s weapon this season but a permanent move to midfield can’t happen overnight.
Foden ended last season in a deeper central role than he has been accustomed to in recent seasons, impressing as a substitute for Kevin De Bruyne in the Champions League final when the Belgian was sidelined through injury.
Foden has also been used centrally in the pre-season, suggesting he could be used centrally next season, especially following the departure of former captain Ilkay Gundogan in the summer.
However, Guardiola believes Foden still has a lot to learn in midfield and has indicated he will continue to play in City’s attack thanks to his skills in five positions.
“Phil can play in five positions – from striker, left-winger, right-winger, attacking midfielder – he can play everywhere,” Guardiola said.
“Just in the middle, he has to be more careful in many, many aspects and maybe needs a little more time to realise what he has to do defensively especially, but of course he has something special in those positions, the quality in one-against-one, arrive to the box, sense of goal, so it is all there.
“It is massively important to have a player like him who you can use in five positions. With Gundo leaving, maybe he can play more in that position. We will see.”
