#47 | Phil Foden - 2020/21 Performances

[Akira]

He’s isn’t ready to play in the centre in this team yet. That’s not a dig, he’s only 20. He should be a winger for the next 12-18 months then he’ll have developed to a level where is is able to control games better and not dribble when he should pass etc. It’s good for him that KDB and Gundo are back now, so he can focus on what he’s been good at - playing from the wing and knowing that when he loses the ball it’s far less likely to be in an area where a counter is unstoppable.

Yep that's how I saw it too. I watched him closely for most of the game and Foden tries to call for the ball most times, but to only have the play constantly bypass him. Might have something to do with his positioning and movement when in the centre. Regardless, he will definitely get better at it.

 

[Hungarian blue]

The fact he scored a goal and add to that his workrate even in the last minutes makes these 'bad' performances much more bearable, what a player! But yes, it also kind of proved why having him currently in the front three suits him better for the time being.

 

[01cravend]

Needs to get on the squat rack before playing in midfield.. Dave was small too but you never saw him get eased off the ball.

 

[bluevalley]

I’m sure City will want to work on Phil’s upper body strength as he sometimes gets pushed off the ball but this will come with time.

I was thinking the same thing, he was bullied yesterday by the Everton defenders and Ancelotti himself confirmed after the match that it was the strategy.

He was often thrown out of balance yesterday and the ref did not give him any protection, yeah I think putting more weight will help him stay on his feet more.

 

[mosssideblue]

Not his best last night and maybe in need of a rest. He will have gained more valuable experience though which is a good thing

 

[FromPollockToSilva]

I would play him predominantly on the right of the (nominal) front three right now. He showed at Anfield that he can cause a lot of problems for teams from that inside-right channel. It’s probably the position in our system that allows him to play closest to his instinctive, direct best

 

[itisrising]

Needs to get on the squat rack before playing in midfield.. Dave was small too but you never saw him get eased off the ball.

It's because he hasn't mastered the art of drawing a foul. He will try to dribble out of a tight situation instead of getting the easy foul and resetting.

 

[MarsLlama]

When Foden eventually takes his permanent spot in the middle for us, I think it's a position he'll hold down for a dozen years or more.

Bloody hell, he's good.

 

[FantasyIreland]

It's because he hasn't mastered the art of drawing a foul. He will try to dribble out of a tight situation instead of getting the easy foul and resetting.

That has much to do with his honesty and old school winning mentality,it may now be considered naïve but ending up on the floor is still considered as a sign of weakness by some.
Unfortunately in todays climate he may have to rethink his approach and find something of a happy medium,otherwise he will not receive the protection or the advantage his ability earns.

 

[trumpton]

Quiet again tonight. Great player just lacking the consistency.
Doesn't help when Cancelo is playing left back as he's effectively left as the only player on that side.