Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola explained that Phil Foden’s burst of good form has coincided with a move to his best position on the pitch as a central No. 10, from where he can best display his “unique” talent.
Foden scored the opener and teed up Savinho for City’s second in a comfortable 2–0 Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening. The deft left footer has enjoyed a remarkable September; terrorising Manchester United in the first derby of the season before dovetailing to devastating effect with Erling Haaland against Napoli in last week’s Champions League opener.
Over the last four games, Foden boasts two goals and as many assists. The academy graduate had been able to must just one assist across his final 18 appearances of the 2024–25 domestic campaign.
Finally fully fit again, Guardiola puts Foden’s surge down to positioning as much as physicality. “Close to the box I think he plays in the pockets perfectly,” the City boss mused following the midweek cup win.
“When he plays a little bit free and close to the box, he can do something that is unique, we know that. When Phil plays in that position behind the strikers, he’s a real threat.
“We’ve seen already with Phil [these last] few games. When the team play better, when every player makes his potential…but it’s not just today. The game against Arsenal, [Manchester] United, Napoli, he was really good.”
