Foden Recent Versatility And Form Skyrocket Is Factor To Manchester City Quadruple Hunt

After a fiery start to the season, Foden has transitioned from a first-choice starter and one of their primary creative options, forging an impressive bond with Erling Haaland, to a backup winger fighting for playing time.

It’s fair to say that Foden’s future at Manchester City is currently a bit hazy, given that his start in the cup match against Chelsea was not in his best position and that he was recently dropped from Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup after failing to make back-to-back starts.

Out of seven City appearances, Thursday was only his second Premier League start and it was a very challenging game for the player who was trying to impress while getting replaced in the 59th minute. Then increased the pressure on him after his replacement provide an assist three minutes into the game.

Given that he rarely had the opportunity to play in the midfield position, some analysts may have perceived the manager’s decision to start the player in the midfield against Chelsea in the Third round of the F. A cup as a hard demand of the player and that the start would be unhelpful considering that it was not in his usual left-wing position.

But even as Foden was once again snubbed on the left wing against stiff competition, It was nonetheless a fantastic performance for the player who seamlessly integrated into Manchester City’s midfield and played his way back into form and fitness in a cup that called for a higher caliber starting lineup.

Instead of putting on a particularly attacking display, Foden’s tactical play in midfield was at its best and this will inspire Guardiola, who always emphasizes on the need of a player to be more disciplined in the central positions.

His imitation of Kevin De Bruyne’s forward sprints into the space surrounding his striker and his link-up with his teammates who were moving ahead of him was a view to behold. He did not look out of place and neither did the opposition dominate him in the midfield. His performance simply merits praise for his job-specific adaptability.

Foden demonstrated his ability to play as an all-around player and his composed possession of the ball as well as timed runs into the opposition’s defense alongside his contribution to the goal, only demonstrated exactly what Guardiola would have expected of him in that position.

The attacking involvements of the English player only demonstrated that he was still able to contribute to another facet of what City midfielders are expected to achieve, which is to score and create goals.

With Arsenal awaiting city in the fourth round, the manager will be happier to see Foden fit in naturally to the midfield position as he might have just provided a high level replacement for Guardiola who might seek to rest Kevin De Bruyne while giving Foden the opportunity to keep improving in the advanced central midfield role.

Even though Foden’s fight to reclaim his left-wing position is still far from over, he would be determined to succeed in any position because even a player who is typically so self-assured and fearless must try to find favor out of a trying time. Foden’s appearance in City’s deep central midfield role is one of the best and so he would be determined to excel in that role.