PHIL FODEN has revealed his favourite position and the surprise comparison his team-mates have made.
There has been much debate over where the Manchester City star should play for England at Euro 2024 this summer.
Foden has featured on either flank and as a No10 for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
While playing centrally behind the striker, the 23-year-old scored a magnificent hat-trick in a 4-1 hammering of Aston Villa.
And after inspiring City to victory, Foden was asked where he plays best, telling TNT Sports: “I seem to have some really technical play in the pockets and out wide, I can do that job but I prefer it in the middle.
“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.
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“He said, ‘you’ll grow into that position’. Before I was going so quick, attacking every action. Now I’m getting the balance just right.
“I’m always trying to arrive in the box, that’s where the goals are at.
“You get at least five a season by arriving into the box late. So I’ve been working on all aspects of my game in the midfield. Still a lot of improve on, but I’m enjoying that position.”
On Foden as a No10, Guardiola said: “When he plays in central positions, he has a sense of goals. He has goals in his veins and we have to use them.
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“He can do whatever he wants. I think he is a really top-class player. We know it.
“He has to be focused, sometimes he is a bit distracted. But he has a natural talent a gift, a gift that is special.”
But Foden may have to settle for a spot on the left-wing for England at the Euros as it is a problem position for Gareth Southgate.
Marcus Rashford has struggled for form this season at Manchester United, as has Jack Grealish at City, leaving the boss with a huge selection dilemma.
There is also the issue of trying to fit Jude Bellingham into the side after his impressive campaign at Real Madrid from the attacking central midfield area that Foden prefers.
The Stockport-born superstar scored a brilliant long-range goal against Villa to complete his hat-trick.
He got up off the deck to win the ball back after thinking he was fouled and fired the ball into the top corner from outside the box.
His goal reminded Grealish of Wayne Rooney’s iconic strike for Manchester United versus Newcastle in 2005.
Foden said: “When I was running off celebrating [that goal] I was with Jack and he said ‘Wayne Rooney goal’. That’s what it reminded him of.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
