Phil Foden, showcased his preference for a central attacking midfield role after a spectacular hat-trick performance against Aston Villa. The 23-year-old midfielder expressed his inclination towards playing in the middle rather than on the wing, despite his versatility in both positions.
In Wednesday’s match against Aston Villa, Foden’s remarkable hat-trick propelled Manchester City to a convincing 4-1 victory. Prior to his exploits, the game was deadlocked at 1-1, until Foden’s clinical finishing broke the deadlock with three stunning goals – one from a well-executed free-kick just before halftime and two more in the second half, including a sublime long-range strike.
Foden’s preferred playing position has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike, with his managers at both club and international level, Pep Guardiola and Gareth Southgate, alternating him between the wings and the central attacking midfield role. However, Foden’s stance on the matter is clear: “Out wide, I can do that job, but I prefer playing in the middle,” he revealed in an interview with TNT Sports.
Acknowledging his growth and evolution as a player, Foden emphasized his improved ability to control the pace of the game, a quality encouraged by Guardiola. Reflecting on his performance, Foden explained, “This year, I’m growing into the game. The manager spoke on showing rhythm and slowing the game down. I’ve added that to my game.”
Foden’s first goal of the evening came from a free-kick at the edge of the box, a set-piece he wasn’t initially designated to take. Despite not being the designated free-kick taker, Foden’s confidence led him to request the opportunity, ultimately paying off with a goal.
While Guardiola downplayed the technical quality of the free-kick, attributing it partly to Aston Villa’s defensive error, he acknowledged the importance of scoring before halftime. Foden’s second goal showcased his adeptness at arriving late in the box to capitalize on opportunities created by his teammates, a skill he’s been diligently honing.
Foden also praised teammate Rodri for his impact on the game, highlighting his versatility and contribution to the team. The hat-trick hero’s final goal drew comparisons to Wayne Rooney’s from Jack Grealish, further solidifying Foden’s stellar performance.
Guardiola commended Foden’s goal-scoring instincts when deployed in central positions, emphasizing the need to capitalize on his natural ability to find the back of the net. Overall, Foden’s display reinforced his potential as a key figure for Manchester City, particularly in his preferred central attacking midfield role.