Phil Foden has indicated that he must improve the defensive side of his game when playing in midfield.
As quoted by Manchester City’s official website, Foden reflected on his desire to get better and better as a midfielder.
The 23-year-old starred as a left-sided attacking midfielder against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, with Paul Dickov hailing his goal as “world-class” and highlighting his incredible contributions on the night.
Phil Foden says he must improve his defending when playing as a midfielder
Ever since the Stockport-born attacker burst onto the scene, there has been a clamour for him to play in his natural position in midfield.
In September, Anton Ferdinand branded the treble-winner as a “magician” and urged Gareth Southgate to give him a shot in the middle of the park.
Now, Manchester City technician Phil Foden has expressed the need for him to improve defensively when deployed in midfield.
“He’s [Pep Guardiola] the best manager I could have asked for. 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.”
“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”, Foden said, as quoted by City’s official website.
If Phil Foden masters this aspect, he could nail down a spot in midfield for club and country
Phil Foden makes an interesting point because if he becomes much more accomplished defensively, it seems likely that he would start in midfield for both Manchester City and England.
While the five-time Premier League winner has all the technical brilliance in the world to play as a No.8, some may question whether he can sniff out danger, win duels and cover every blade of grass in a similar vein to say, Bernardo Silva.
If played alongside another creative midfielder, the decorated attacker’s improved defensive work could allow him to be deployed in a double pivot.
As a result, Phil Foden would go on to be viewed as a viable option both as a No.10 as well as in a deeper position for both club and country.
Once this becomes a reality, Foden’s game would hit unforeseen heights.
