Amidst the rise of a whole host of prodigious English youngsters, Phil Foden’s rise has arguably managed to capture the imagination of the masses the most.
Some would suggest this is down to the Manchester City forward being one of the most unique players produced by the country in recent years, along with the hopes the nation has on the player of driving the international side on to great things.
However, an often-overlooked facet of the Stockport-born talent’s rapid ascent to superstardom has been the fact that the four-time Premier League champion has managed to wreak havoc on the pitch despite playing in an unnatural position.
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Generating hype for his mesmeric displays as an attacking midfielder during his time in the Manchester City youth sides that drew obvious comparisons to club legend David Silva, Pep Guardiola surprised plenty of onlookers by deploying the youngster as a left-winger.
During the 2020/21 season, the England international emerged as one of the key players during his boyhood club’s Premier League and Carabao Cup triumphs, whilst also shining in the Champions League.
The starlet was subsequently, and largely unsurprisingly, voted as the PFA Young Player of the Year following his spellbinding displays throughout the campaign.
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While Phil Foden operated across the frontline in the following season, that saw him scoop the prestigious aformentioned honour once again, it seems as if Manchester City’s boy-wonder may have his eyes on a different role next term.
As per a report by Sam Lee of the Athletic, sources close to Phil Foden have suggested that he would like to operate on the right-hand side of a front three in the 2022/23 season.
Despite enjoying much of his success as a left-winger, it is worth noting that some of the academy graduate’s most standout moments in a City shirt have come on the right flank.
Fans could recall his screamer against Liverpool at Anfield in the visitors’ 4-1 victory.
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Others may draw on his stunning assist for Kevin De Bruyne in the Sky Blues’ 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in the most recent campaign.
Additionally, it is key to remember that when the Englishman started to first seriously stake his claim in the Manchester City first-team during the return of the 2019/20 season, Foden occupied the right-wing on several occasions and thrived.
After impressing as both a left-winger and a false nine for significant spells already in his Manchester City career, Phil Foden could make the right flank his own in the upcoming season.
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During the upcoming season, Phil Foden will however have yet more competition for the attacking positions under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City officials have of course secured the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, likely meaning Foden will not be required in the false-nine role.
Julian Alvarez is also set to take up a multitude of roles across the forward line, following his move from River Plate this summer.
However, while competition for places is undoubtedly being created by the two arrivals, a number of departures could ease pressure.
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Reports this week suggest Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of joining Arsenal, while Raheem Sterling is attracting significant interest from Chelsea.
Topics: Phil Foden, Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, England, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand