Phil Foden: Kevin De Bruyne return shouldn't stop England star being Guardiola's midfield man
While not unique to football’s historical homeland, demanding that the best player has to play in central midfield is a particularly English obsession.
The football culture that has given us Bryan Robson, Steven Gerrard and Roy of the Rovers is in thrall to the idea of the box-to-box superhero, the dominant everyman who can bend games to their will.
Before dismissing this phenomenon out of hand, it’s worth acknowledging that Jude Bellingham is working through the fantastical playbook most weeks at Real Madrid. But it can become pretty tiresome and, in some cases, a bit silly.
Take Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example. The lavishly gifted Liverpool player took his game to the next level in 2023, roving into midfield from right-back to help create chances and dictate games for Jurgen Klopp’s rejuvenated team.
The upshot has been calls for him to play as a starting midfielder for Liverpool and England. Maybe just leave Alexander-Arnold to do what he’s been doing incredibly well from his main position and leave the orthodox midfield positions to someone else.
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Phil Foden has been the subject of similar clamour ever since he came through Manchester City’s youth system, dubbed “The Stockport Iniesta” and anointed as David Silva’s heir apparent.
In his forthcoming book documenting Pep Guardiola’s time at City, biographer Marti Perarnau recounts a conversation he had with the coach in October 2016.
“People have spoken to me a lot about Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz, and yes they are very good. So good. I love them. But remember this other name: Phil Foden,” he said.
“I’m not lying to you, he’s awesome. He’ll play with me very
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