Phil Foden of Manchester City wants to play as the No. 10 in front of the team’s star striker Erling Haaland and has assured coach Pep Guardiola that he “can definitely” handle the added responsibilities.
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Since Kevin de Bruyne is now sidelined with an injury, Foden was given the chance to start at No. 10 against Newcastle two weeks ago. Foden is highly adaptable and has played a variety of roles for City over the years. The England international performed admirably in the position, helping Julian Alvarez score the game-winning goal and garnering high praise from Guardiola.
Phil can play in any position up front, he claimed following the 1-0 victory. The way he turns and attacks the last lines is one of the best I have ever seen. He has incredible talent between the lines. Every control has a clear understanding of the aim. Two or three touches aren’t necessary for him.
He is in a position to assault the goal with a single motion. We believed we could find him because of the way Newcastle defends. After that, try to find that position with the guys we have and the pace of Julian and Erling. [Mateo] Kovacic does better there while playing more defensively than offensively.
“Managers adjust their techniques to the players and issues at hand. I am aware of Phil’s abilities in that circumstance. How well he has performed while playing as a striker, right winger, and left winger. Due to illness, he was only able to play last week against Sheffield United from the bench. This week, however, he was able to start against Fulham and performed admirably in the same position.
As City defeated Fulham 5-1, Foden assisted Ake’s contentious goal and made it clear to Guardiola before the game that he wanted to continue playing as a No. 10. “I think the one I played in against Newcastle, that’s my favorite one, that’s where I feel comfortable,” he said to Sky Sports.
In that game, I felt more alive, more like myself, and I was able to act quickly. That has always been my style as a player, and I hope I can continue to play there and demonstrate my abilities. I am capable of handling it [the post].
“There is a lot of responsibility; moving forward is not everything. You must be aware of who is nearby and know what you’re doing defensively. But I know I can do it, and I’m eager to see what I can accomplish there if I can play there more frequently.
“Everyone has to play at a high standard. You’re playing at one of the best teams in the world. Everyone’s playing at a high level. The end of last season is the highest level we’ve reached and we want to continue that and keep winning because it’s the best feeling.
One of the best teams in the world is the one we’re playing. Even if you performed well in the previous game, you are not assured to play in every game. We’ve observed that our manager likes to rotate his team and utilize the entire roster.
You must respect his judgment because he chooses different participants for each game and has a new scenario for each one. Even though I’m used to it, I hope I can continue playing a lot of football because Kev is injured and the team needs me. I therefore aspire to fulfill that role and endeavor to accomplish good deeds there.
