Manchester City midfielder reveals ‘incredible ability’ and ‘plasticity’ shown by Phil Foden

Phil Foden has been handed incredible praise by his midfield teammate at Manchester City, Rodri following another top-level performance in a central role for the club.

The England international has largely been deployed in an attacking midfield role in recent weeks as Manchester City finalise their closing few matches in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, who returned to their matchday squad at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola has utilised a multitude of options in the absence of the Belgian attacking midfielder, including the likes of Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, and Rico Lewis in advanced role.

Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden have been the mainstays in that period, with the latter proving his abilities in the role perhaps to the greatest success since his days with Manchester City’s academy system.

Speaking to the media after Manchester City’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, Rodri was keen to highlight the skills and abilities that make Phil Foden so unique after another two assists from the England international.

“Phil (Foden) has incredible ability to turn that fast,” Rodri explained. “He has this plasticity with the ball he can turn so quick. We had to be patient but when we can find this pass he is a game-changer.”

Rodri continued on the attacking midfielder, “He increases the pace he can shoot and pass.”

Foden is likely to gain more opportunities in a central role over the course of the coming weeks and months, however the return of Kevin De Bruyne to full fitness will cause some dilemmas for Pep Guardiola.

Julian Alvarez is the most likely player to make way for Kevin De Bruyne when the Belgium international captain returns, especially given Erling Haaland’s undroppable position in the squad when the Norwegian is at full fitness and availability.

City return to action this weekend as they host Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round, as Pep Guardiola and his players look to successfully defend their crown in the competition for the first time under the Catalan boss.