iFoden doesn't have the passing, vision or through balls to be an effective 10. I sometimes questionk his decision making to dominate from that position too.
His most successful period a couple of years ago, he wasn't really dominating but consistently contributed in the final third.
That's because he was following the managers Tactical orders.
If you don't do that ,you are dropped.its a no brainer.
Imo..a fully fit and committed Phil Foden could walk into any team on the planet and flourish in the so called No .10 role. I truly believe he has the ability to do this from what I've seen with my own eyes.He does have high level passing ability,he really does, but Pep has picked him in positions where it's hard to show his full range of passing..or to augment / blend in with other highly talented midfielders...his role isn't to dominate..it's to finish off in the attacking third.
But let's be quite clear here.Foden spent ,I imagine the whole of his youth team career dominating midfield showing his two footed ability and skills from central midfield. He was always a class above his youth peers.
But...that natural ability and skill ,rightly or wrongly.....is restricted,.for he is told to follow the game plan..and who can really argue with Pep and what those heavy regimented tactics have won ?
Just about every trophy in the top class game.
When I look back at my favourite central midfield game changers over the years( not the wide playing mazy dribbling talented wingers) I see Liam Brady at Arsenal whose control and composure was David Silva like.augmented by hard running tough tackling midfielders around him
It worked....
I look at Michel Platini for France at the top of his game given licence to get on the ball in central areas and naturally...cruise through centre mid, bringing life to the team,Tigana neatly dovetailing with almost equal silky skills,but a more industrious athletic work rate- it worked
Look at Eyal and Benarbia ...two incredibly gifted footballers who terrorized oppentemts with their flair and natural ability,leaving others to do the tracking and marking of the opposition
I digress
Return to the modern game....Phil has to fit into incredibly strict guidelines set by Pep..if he doesn't
He is not selected. So we just don't see the full range of his passing ability as others,not least Ederson,for one,.. have had that responsibility..Phil has been instructed to score goals and finish moves ..the exact opposite of Jack Grealish at City?
Let's see how Donna Summer s arrival affects our central midfield players passing range ,,lol.
I've argued myself into a mess here but I hope someone can see my train of thought : )
