Foden admits he prefers playing in the middle after scoring hat-trick vs Villa

Manchester City hat-trick hero Phil Foden says he prefers playing in a central attacking midfield role rather than out wide after his treble helped demolish Aston Villa 4-1.

Pep Guardiola's treble winners were locked in a 1-1 scoreline against Unai Emery's fourth-placed side before Foden struck with three stylish goals - one from a free-kick before half-time, then two in the second period, capped off by a brilliant long-range effort.

Foden's 'best position' has been the subject of much debate among fans of both City and England - with Guardiola and Gareth Southgate rotating him between the wing and the attacking midfield position.

The 23-year-old's preference is clear, though. "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," he told TNT Sports.

"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.

"He said, 'you'll grow into that position'. Because before I was going so quick, attacking every action. Now I'm getting the balance just right."

Foden's first strike of the evening saw him win then convert a free-kick from the edge of the box, finding a gap between Nicolo Zaniolo and Ezri Konsa in the wall, leaving Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen stranded.

The England attacker admitted he was not meant to take the set-piece, but felt confident enough to ask designated free-kick taker Julian Alvarez to hand over the ball.

"I don't actually take free-kicks, I don't know why I took that one," Foden said.

"Julian was on it, I just felt confident at the time saying, 'Julian, do you mind giving me this one?' And, to be fair to him, he gave it to me. It paid off in the end."

Guardiola was less