Pep Guardiola was really considering giving Phil Foden the opportunity to soar in the heart of midfield toward the close of the last campaign. the part for which he was created.

He was raised there before deciding to become a winger as a teenager to secure a berth on this team. Foden performed well on both sides, but a player of this caliber needs to be in the middle of the action.

Time will tell. Foden was aware of this since Guardiola had advised him to develop the skills necessary to play in the midfield for one of his teams, particularly knowing when to force a situation and when to slow down. However, there are indications that he is finally ready to play more frequently in the position that will help him, his team, and the nation.

When Kevin De Bruyne tore his hamstring after 36 minutes in the Champions League final, Foden was introduced. He and John Stones controlled the action and gave the game some life against a resolute Inter. As long as he is on the field, Foden will play wherever, but he thinks the central switch will allow him to reach his full potential.

There’s a lot more to my game in this role,’ he remarked. I would be able to demonstrate my abilities to the public much more. I would be more attentive and engaged. I believe that position carries a lot more responsibility.

Phil Foden is a generational talent who deserves to be at the centre of the action for Man City

 

Foden has performed well for Pep Guardiola (pictured) on both flanks but a central switch can unlock more of his boundless potential

Foden ran the show for Man City during the Champions League final after coming on to replace the injured Kevin De Bruyne during their 1-0 victory over Italian giants Inter Milan

In Asia over the past week, during victories over Yokohama F. Marinos and Bayern Munich, he has nestled in behind Erling Haaland. The pair have played their two lots of 45 minutes together in a sign that they could start the new season as the main goal threats.

‘Erling’s always got great runs and great movement,’ Foden added. ‘He wants feeding early and in behind as he’s always going to win the race with the defender.

 

‘It’s about picking up on those things when I’m in there. I’ve not played there for a long time but the more I play there I will get used to it and start learning the role.

‘There are a lot of defensive responsibilities – a lot more things to learn. I played there when I was younger so I feel I can do that role if he wants me there. I’m just looking forward to seeing where he plays me.

‘I think the manager has seen my goal threat and he’s wanted me to play further forward.’

There is probably nobody quite as proficient in tight spaces as Foden which, when opposition sit so deep, is a blessing in areas more crowded than the famous Shibuya crossing City passed by in Tokyo.

Towards the end of their run to the Treble, and after recovering from appendicitis, Foden’s little flicks and inventive five-yard passes showed that him in there presents endless possibilities. How Guardiola finds room for him and De Bruyne, when both are fit, will be very intriguing indeed.

How Guardiola finds room for Foden (left) and De Bruyne in the middle of the park will be intriguing

‘I know I can play anywhere along the front, in midfield as well, I’ll just be ready for whatever the manager wants,’ Foden said. ‘The manager has touched on motivation – saying he hopes we have the same hunger going into the season.

‘It’s a lot more difficult as teams will want to beat you all the more, coming off the back of what we did last season. I feel this season might be challenging but the lads are ready and showing the level we can play at.’

There is not a great deal left for him to achieve. Foden smiled. ‘I don’t know… obviously it would be nice to win something with the national team. For me it’s time to forget about last season. Even though it was great, it’s time to try to win all those trophies again.’