Pep Guardiola told to make bold Phil Foden decision amid Kevin De Bruyne return for Man City

Former Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge believes Phil Foden deserves a prolonged period in the central attacking role despite Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury, as long as the academy product maintains his excellent form.

Bridge agreed that Pep Guardiola’s suggestion of both players dovetailing together behind the striker could work, but says if the manager decides to field just one number 10 then Foden is worthy of retaining his place.

The 23-year-old has thrived in the role since it was vacated by Julian Alvarez, who has played in his natural number nine position since Erling Haaland picked up his foot injury. Foden came through the youth ranks as a No.10 and has often underlined how it is his most comfortable position.

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He has mostly been used as a wide player by Guardiola, but he has been afforded more licence to come inside from the flank in light of De Bruyne’s long term injury this season. De Bruyne returned to action in last weekend’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield after five months on the sidelines.

He is expected to eventually reclaim his usual role but may first be reintroduced slowly following hamstring surgery, having been used as a second half substitute against Huddersfield.

Bridge warned that such is the quality of the City squad that any drop off from Foden would see him lose his spot. However, while he is performing at the levels he currently is, the former England star said Foden has earned his right to keep the spot.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Bridge said: “I think he deserves to stay there. I’m a massive Foden fan. I love him in