Pep Guardiola has stated his desire for Manchester City player Phil Foden to end up as a holding midfielder. In the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, the 23-year-old has been given an extensive run in the middle of the pitch this season, and he is almost guaranteed to play against Arsenal on Sunday.
As a fresh-faced youth, Foden got into the City first squad after rising from the academy with a stellar reputation. Guardiola has consistently lauded the teenager, dubbing him the most gifted player he has ever worked with in 2019.
While many expected him to make an impact as an offensive midfielder, Foden spent the majority of his City career on the wing. Guardiola has brought him with him.
This season, he has moved into the center, and the England international is in fine form heading into the crucial match against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Sky Blues manager raised eyebrows before of the game when he stated his view that Foden will end up flourishing as a defensive midfielder later in his career.
“When Phil plays as a right-winger, he can do it,” the former Barcelona manager stated. “In the beginning, when he was playing as a left winger, he did well.” He can play right, left, and in the pockets in the middle with ease.
“In the end, I’d like to see him as a holding midfielder, or one of two holding midfielders.” For that, he needs to grasp the game as a whole, in everything, not just ‘me’.
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