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Published on 2024-01-31 17:30:00
Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne can effectively play together in midfield. This statement came after De Bruyne’s return from a recent injury, sparking discussion about how he would fit into the central role that Foden has occupied for a significant portion of the season, given De Bruyne’s reputation as an all-time great in that position.
Former player Micah Richards has also expressed his desire to see Foden playing as a number ten alongside De Bruyne, given his tenure with the team and his ability in that position.
Despite these discussions, Guardiola has yet to consistently deploy Foden and De Bruyne together in a midfield role. During the team’s opening game of the season against Burnley, Foden appeared to play in a much more central position than usual, with De Bruyne playing in his traditional number ten position.
When questioned about the potential of Foden and De Bruyne playing together in midfield, Guardiola stated that while it is possible, it would depend on the type of team Manchester City are facing. He emphasized that when playing against teams with a five in the back formation, they may be able to play together effectively, but adjustments would be necessary against teams with a significant amount of quality and skill.
Guardiola’s rationale for considering different midfield pairings is evident. If Manchester City faces defensive opponents, Foden and De Bruyne’s passing and goal-scoring abilities make them an ideal midfield pair. However, against formidable opponents, Guardiola prefers midfielders like Mateo Kovacic, who can play in a double pivot and defend effectively.
The potential combination of Foden and De Bruyne in midfield reflects Guardiola’s willingness to adapt his strategy based on his opponent. Therefore, the decision to deploy them together as a pair will likely depend on the nature and quality of the team they are facing. This suggests that Guardiola’s tactical approach is dynamic, with considerations for various opponents and situations.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
