Phil Foden shows his ability to become Man City ‘s “number 10” after defeating Newcastle in the second round of the Premier League.
Manchester City may not need to sign Lucas Paqueta, who is targeted by Pep Guardiola to replace injured Kevin De Bruyne. Because, Phil Foden has just had the best performance of the 220 starting matches in the first team of Man City.
Foden created 7 chances and made a big contribution to helping Man City beat Newcastle. The special thing is that the English player left an impression in the role of “number 10” instead of a virtual “number 9” or a winger. In theory, Foden is in charge of the right wing, but the range of activities is much wider.
There are two roles that Foden has long seemed destined for Man City: “number 8” or “number 10”. However, despite being only 23 years old, there is a feeling that Foden’s future is constantly being delayed. Perhaps it would have happened again if De Bruyne had remained healthy or Paqueta had joined.
In a summer of unexpected developments, Pep Guardiola had to rethink his plans. In the end, Foden returned to the position he used to take in the youth team.
“I always played the role of ‘number 10’ when I was in the youth team. We have the best player in the world playing there, Kevin De Bruyne. But with De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva absent, that may be the reason why. why I’m trusted,” Foden shared.
Of course, fundamentally, Foden’s play is different from De Bruyne’s. He does not have the sharp passes to eliminate the opponent’s defense but brings his own brand.
All of which makes Foden unique. But unfortunately, Foden is not guaranteed a starting position at Etihad even if De Bruyne is absent for a long time.
Foden shone when he came on as a substitute for injured De Bruyne in last season’s Champions League final. However, the 23-year-old player had to sit on the bench in the English Super Cup match.
The departure of Riyad Mahrez leaves space on the right flank and Foden, along with Palmer and Silva, are the best alternatives.
Man City ‘s season this year can last more than 60 games with the time per game significantly increased by the new Premier League injury time rule. And more surprising when Pep used only 1 substitution in 2 hard wins against Sevilla and Newcastle.
It is perhaps a warning bell about the depth of Man City’s squad when Aymeric Laporte is gone and Joao Cancelo can follow.
A series of factors have hindered Pep’s plans this summer. From teams in the Saudi Pro League shopping spree to deals like Declan Rice and Paqueta just couldn’t be completed.
If Man City buys more players before the summer transfer window closes, Foden’s future will depend on Pep. If Pep brings in a “number 10”, Foden can return to the wing and vice versa.
Finding a replacement for De Bruyne is not an easy task and Foden must admit it. But a hamstring injury worse than expected for De Bruyne has opened the door for the young English talent.
After the most disappointing season of his career in the first team Man City, Foden is being paved the way to really step into the light.
