Pep Guardiola told to make Phil Foden positional change for Man City

Micah Richards and Shay Given have made the case for Phil Foden to play centrally more often after a positive showing from the 23-year-old in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Luton on Sunday.

With Erling Haaland absent with a stress injury of the foot, Julian Alvarez was asked to push up into his traditional number nine role while Foden was picked to play as the attacking midfielder, a position he played while coming through the academy ranks.

Foden has often been played out on the wing by Pep Guardiola, although the player has frequently outlined how the No.10 position is his favourite. The England star has this season been given licence to cut in from the wing with Kevin De Bruyne injured.

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He has been seen dovetailing with Alvarez when Haaland is the main striker but was given the freedom of the central berth against Luton. Given says Foden looks more at ease playing behind the striker and identified what he does well in the position.

Speaking on Match Of The Day 2, the former City goalkeeper said: “We looked today at Phil Foden coming into that position, with him and Alvarez bouncing off each other. I think that’s his favourite position, I prefer Phil in the centre rather than out wide.”

He added: “He looks a natural in there. No panic on the ball, he always picks the right pass and he always seems to have time and that’s the sign of a really good player.”

Richards concurred and highlighted what the qualities Foden brings when he is deployed as the central attacking midfielder. He explained: “I think on the half turn and then playing that ball quickly forward he’s one of the best in the league at that.

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