Phil Foden has received praise for his performance against Newcastle despite Manchester City enduring a tough evening on Tyneside.
It was Pat Nevin who made the comments when commentating on the Premier League clash for BBC Radio 5 Live.
So, what was said about Manchester City No.47 Phil Foden? Let’s take a look…
Foden praised for display against Newcastle
Well, the England international was incredibly lively against the Magpies – especially during the opening 45 minutes – as he caused havoc when drifting between the wing and the centre.
Foden’s fluid positioning visibly confused Dan Burn, who did not know whether to come inside and follow the City Football Academy graduate, or hold his position on the left of Newcastle’s defence.
The 23-year-old’s movement often dragged Newcastle’s No.33 inside, which freed up acres of space for Kyle Walker.
It was actually a cross from the Manchester City No.2 which led to Bernardo Silva scoring the opener, after Foden dragged Burn out of position.
Nevin made a note of this tactical detail, saying: “The Newcastle bench know they have a major problem here because they know they can’t allow Phil Foden to have all of this space. Dan Burn has a big problem.
“The problem Newcastle had was Phil Foden coming off the wing and leaving all of that space. There’s a massive, gigantic gap.”
Foden performance gives Guardiola a selection headache at Manchester City
While Pep Guardiola was surely delighted with Foden’s effectiveness against Newcastle, it does give the Spaniard a tough decision to make as Kevin De Bruyne nears his return to full fitness.
The Belgium international often lines up in that half space between the right flank and the centre, where he whips those trademark crosses into the corridor of uncertainty – as it is commonly known.
Therefore, Guardiola may have to disrupt the £169m-rated Foden’s rhythm by moving him to accommodate De Bruyne.
Nevertheless, this is a dilemma most managers can only dream of – Guardiola has a wealth of quality options at his disposal, to say the least.
