Redaction Simon Brett with Dan Murphy
Published on 2024-02-06 11:00:00
Manchester City hero Phil Foden credits one decision by Pep Guardiola for his upturn in form.
City had to make a comeback after being down a goal to Brentford on Monday, as Neal Maupay had given the London side the lead in the Premier League encounter.
However, Foden’s brilliant play inspired a comeback, scoring just before half-time and completing a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory.
The 23-year-old has reached 20 goal contributions for the season so far, with 11 goals and nine assists, nearly matching his tally for the whole of last season.
Foden believes that manager Guardiola moving him to a central position from playing out on the flanks has been the key factor behind his increased output in front of goal.
He said, “The outcome of the game is what we deserved. Brentford caused us problems. I’m delighted with the first goal because it came at a good time for us just before half-time. I’ve been getting goals and assists more recently.”
” I’ve been playing more centrally so I think that’s why. I want to be that player and long may that continue. I can play off the left or the right or down the middle.”
Foden broke through to the City team as a creative midfielder, hailed as the heir to David Silva’s throne, but for years he has had to bide his time, as Guardiola has preferred to deploy him on the flanks.
However, the Blues boss always maintained that he would play centrally one day, and now it seems to have happened. Though on paper, he was still positioned on the wing, this change in positioning has seen Foden tuck inside to devastating effect.
With other players in great form, there is fierce competition for attacking spots, but it is clear that the middle is now his permanent home.
Foden’s excellent run of form can largely be credited to Pep Guardiola’s tactical change, increasing his contribution to the team substantially and making him an integral part of their success on the field.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
