Phil Foden credits specific Manchester City man for successful positional change

Manchester City Academy graduate and now first-team star Phil Foden has been keen to credit Pep Guardiola for his rise and development in the attacking midfield role.

The England international – who made a rare appearance in the centre of the park under Gareth Southgate this month – has been making an increasing number of starring performances in the playmaking role for Pep Guardiola this season.

With Kevin De Bruyne continuing his recovery following hamstring surgery in the summer, much has been made of Manchester City’s ability to cope without the star midfielder, but the contributions of Phil Foden have certainly softened the blow of the 32-year-old’s absence.

Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium this week was another fine example of Phil Foden’s midfield capabilities, as the Academy poster boy of the past recorded yet another goal and assist across 90 minutes.

Speaking after the 3-2 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, Phil Foden told ManCity.com of his gratitude having learned and developed under Pep Guardiola, who is now to be credited for the Stockport-born playmaker’s rise in attacking midfield.

“He’s the best manager I could have asked for,” Foden glowed. “His attention to detail – I’ve still got so many things that I want to get better at, especially playing in that role in midfield (for Manchester City).”

Continuing on his areas for development, Foden detailed, “I need to be more alert in the defensive side and get my positions right – I know that and I’m trying my hardest to get better at it and improve.”

Phil Foden is likely to be called upon once again this weekend, and could continue in the advanced midfield role as Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium in a top-of-the-table Etihad Stadium meeting.

Julian Alvarez is also likely to start the game having been somewhat rested in midweek, and only appearing from the substitute’s bench in the second-half, but to great effect as City completed their comeback thanks to the Argentine star.