“This Is the Phil We Met Years Ago” — Pep Guardiola Details Foden’s Return to His Best Form

Pep Guardiola has endorsed Thomas Tuchel’s view on Phil Foden’s best position, firmly stating that the England international is at his most dangerous when operating through the middle. The Manchester City manager spoke after Foden delivered another game-changing performance, scoring twice in Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium.

Foden’s brace not only secured three vital points but also pushed City closer to league leaders Arsenal, keeping the defending champions firmly in the title race. And for Guardiola, the message is clear: the closer Foden plays to goal, the deadlier he becomes.

“Guys with a sense of goal must play close to the goal”

When asked about Tuchel’s earlier comments encouraging England to use Foden centrally rather than on the wing, Guardiola did not hesitate to agree.

“I agree with Thomas,” Guardiola said via Hayters Tv. “I like to play Phil behind the striker, close to the goal. Guys who have this sense of goal have to be close to the goal.”

According to the City boss, Foden’s sharp instincts in tight spaces and ability to find the net make him an ideal central operator. While he can still be deployed on the wings, Guardiola made it clear that City have other wide options better suited to staying on the flanks.

“Sometimes, he can be wide and we have another player more inside,” he explained. “But I like Phil in central positions. As a winger, Savio, Jeremy and even Oscar have different attributes. The other three don’t have the sense of goal.”

His point was simple: if City want more goals, Foden has to be closer to Erling Haaland.

“If we lack the sense of goal,” he said, “I have to bring people close to Erling. I like players who arrive thinking they can score. Big teams have many players who score. If just Erling is the one scoring goals, we’ll struggle.”

“This is the Phil we saw years ago”

Foden’s impressive start to the season has been a relief to Guardiola, who admitted the 24-year-old endured a difficult campaign last year. But now, the midfielder looks rejuvenated, confident and decisive — exactly the player Guardiola remembers from his teenage years.

“This season has been the Phil that we met a long, long time ago,” he said. “The impact when that guy arrived at 16, 17 years old in the training sessions… it was, ‘oh my God, what a player.’”

Guardiola recalled how Foden’s rise was steady and relentless.

“Every year he was better and better,” he continued. “Two years ago, when we won the Premier League here against West Ham, he was the best player of the league.”

Foden’s evolution into one of City’s most complete attacking threats has been a key factor in the club’s pursuit of domestic and European success. His readiness to step into any role, no matter how demanding, has earned the unwavering respect of his manager.

The mentality of a future City legend

Beyond his skill, Guardiola highlighted Foden’s exceptional mentality — something he believes separates him from most players his age.

“It’s a joy, it’s a pleasure, it’s a gift to have him,” Guardiola said. “He has an incredible thing. You say, ‘Phil, you have to play there,’ even if it’s not his best position… he will say, ‘I want to help the team, I want to run.’”

According to Guardiola, Foden embraces discomfort. Instead of hiding when the game becomes difficult, he demands responsibility.

“There are some players that when it’s uncomfortable, they make a step back,” he explained. “Phil is completely the opposite.”

He added:

“Phil will say, ‘Give me the ball because I want to dribble, I want to score, I want to win the game.’ This ambition and mentality arrived since he was a little boy.”

A vital part of City’s title charge

With City chasing down Arsenal and Manchester City needing more sources of goals beyond Haaland, Guardiola knows Foden’s role will be crucial. His hunger, creativity, and eye for goal make him one of City’s most valuable weapons — especially in tight fixtures like the one against Leeds.

Foden now has several goals and assists already this season, and his influence continues to grow with each performance. As Guardiola shapes the next phase of his squad, it is clear that Foden is no longer just a young talent. He has become one of City’s main leaders on the pitch.