Pep Guardiola's Phil Foden reality check could see return of forgotten Man City tactic

"With Gundo leaving, maybe he can play more in that position. We will see," said Pep Guardiola of Phil Foden's chances of playing in central midfield.

After playing Foden in midfield during Manchester City's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, building on good form at the end of last season, it seemed like the tactic would continue this season. Guardiola's latest comments suggest his future remains as a central midfielder.

However, Guardiola also issued a familiar warning to his young academy graduate, reminding him that there is still plenty to learn for the defensive side of being a midfielder.

"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," said the manager on Friday.

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"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 something of a mixed message for Foden, who was also told he can play in five positions by his manager. Talked up as an important, special option - but knocked down a little when it comes to playing in central midfield.

With Ilkay Gundogan leaving, there is a place in the squad for a midfielder to bring the ball forward into the area. Mateo Kovacic can replicate some of Gundogan's roles in the side, but not all. With Riyad Mahrez leaving, too, Bernardo Silva could play more on the right, freeing up more games for Foden to play centrally.

It seems that Guardiola is still reluctant to play Foden as a midfielder in games requiring a more defensive midfield structure, his options alongside Kevin De Bruyne are Bernardo