GAUGHAN: It is intriguing how Pep finds room for Foden & De Bruyne in midfield

Towards the end of last season, Pep Guardiola was giving serious consideration to allowing Phil Foden the chance to fly in the middle of midfield. The role he was born to play.

It is where he grew up, before being converted into a winger as a teenager while nailing down a spot in this team. Foden performed on both flanks but someone of this generational quality deserves to be at the centre of the action.

A matter of time. Foden knew that, Guardiola telling him to learn what it takes to become a midfielder in one of his sides – specifically when to force issues, when to slow down - and the signs are that now is the moment he plays more regularly in the position that can benefit him, his club and the country.

The Champions League final offered a major case study, Foden introduced after 36 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne tore his hamstring. He ran the game along with John Stones, injecting a liveliness that opened up more room against a stubborn Inter. Foden will play anywhere, so long as he is on the pitch, but believes the central switch can unlock more of his potential.

‘It’s a role where there’s a lot more to my game,’ he said. ‘I’d be able to show people a lot more of what I can do. I’d be on the ball more, always involved. I think there’s a lot more responsibility in that role.’

In Asia over the past week, during victories over Yokohama F. Marinos and Bayern Munich, he has nestled in behind Erling Haaland. The pair have played their two lots of 45 minutes together in a sign that they could start the new season as the main goal threats.

‘Erling’s always got great runs and great movement,’ Foden added. ‘He wants feeding early and in behind as he’s always going to win the race with the defender.

‘It’s about picking up on those