2 years ago
Pep Guardiola has already hinted at how Phil Foden could help Man City resolve their Erling Haaland problem
All eyes will be on Manchester City's striker, and Guardiola may have already revealed his strategy for getting the most out of him.
The new season is only a few days away, and there are no prizes for guessing who will be the focus of Manchester City's attention.
As the Blues begin their title defense against West Ham, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland. We've already seen a few glimpses of the Norwegian superstar in action, and while he didn't score against Liverpool in the Community Shield, we saw enough to believe he'll be a major coup. everyone expected for man city.
At the same time, Saturday's game at the King Power Stadium demonstrated that Pep Guardiola still has some issues to work out if he is to get the most out of his new signing. Pundits and fans alike pointed out a number of instances when Haaland's new teammates missed opportunities to involve him and showcase his considerable talent in front of goal.
That will undoubtedly take some getting used to after a season without a designated number nine, not to mention a possible shift in approach. Guardiola, on the other hand, may have another ace up his sleeve in the form of Phil Foden.
His manager has used the academy graduate in a variety of positions, but In general, he has been seen as part of the front three. Last season, he shifted to a more central position, which Guardiola sees as his long-term position.
"Responsibility is not a problem for Phil," Guardiola said earlier this year. "It's not a problem going to bigger stages, bigger scenarios, and important games since day one" (for him). He enjoys playing." He can play in all five positions up front, including winger on both sides, striker through the middle, and attacking midfielder in the pockets. "I believe that in time, he will be more capable of playing in positions in the middle; he still has all of the actions and the high speed, so perhaps the wide positions will suit him better." When I was started to see him at 16/17 years old when I arrived here, he played in a position like Kevin (De Bruyne) and wow, he played really good but all the actions are so, so quick. You remember David Silva, sometimes he slowed the rhythm to increase the rhythm, (but Phil’s) rhythm is always high.
"It's good because he's aggressive and we need it, but sometimes he needs a little more, but that's a matter of time." He can do it without a problem; it's just a matter of time."
The time may have come, and it may be the best solution for realizing Haaland's full potential. De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have spent the last few years playing in Guardiola's style, patiently building through stages rather than looking for a forward's run.
With Foden in the middle, City may be able to develop their game, with the 22-year-old serving as the David Silva to Haaland's Sergio Aguero. Guardiola clearly intends to move Foden closer to the center of the field.
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