Rodri and John Stones return can make Man City's next No.10 even better
Jeremy Doku had James Milner backpedaling so much the veteran didn't come out for the second half, replaced for his own sake by his merciful manager.
Doku was selected for Manchester City against Brighton and immediately justified his inclusion by skinning Milner time after time and finishing a 40-yard run with an assist just seven minutes in.
The Belgian was electric, with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland on the scoresheet in a well-earned win. City's man of the match, however, was probably someone else who went under the radar but ran the show from the first minute: Phil Foden.
Man City vs Brighton as it happened
Man City player ratings vs Brighton
Starting on the wing, Foden continued in his 'second No.10' (or 'inverted No.10') role that he has impressed with this season. He looked brilliant there for England while another youngster stole the headlines in Jude Bellingham, but it's a positive reflection of his progress in the middle that both Pep Guardiola and Gareth Southgate continue to select him in big games.
Foden was linking up as well as he ever has with Alvarez, and that relationship in turn got more out of Haaland. Bernardo Silva's run in midfield continued and his presence also helped Foden to get space to feed his attacking teammates. Whenever he could, Foden looked for Doku in space and was often seen wriggling through bodies to get to Doku.
Maybe Foden was more effective because there was more protection behind him. Guardiola continues to challenge him to improve his tactical and defensive work in the centre, with Foden agreeing earlier this month that he still has plenty to learn in that position.
Rodri's recall to the starting line-up after suspension was expected, but it is also no surprise that
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