47 | Phil Foden - 2023/24

[Goldust]

Yeah I'd be all for him playing off the right. He played in that position last season when we smashed the Rags 6-3 and he had a great game and scored a hat-trick. In that game we had grealish on the left and foden on the right.

He can definitely play that position well and can still come inside from that position too.

And the game at anfield a few years ago when he had a great game

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

The expectation on Phil is accentuated because he has is the shining star of our academy , he has suffered injuries over the last few months and this has definitely affected his progress , but this season he looks back to his best and if he can keep injury free , i expect him to move to the next level , even the Waistcoat will have to pick him , instead of that world class midfield money grabbing craftsman , Hendo the gobshite.

 

[dennishasdoneit]

And the game at anfield a few years ago when he had a great game

Also league cup final v Aston Villa at Wembley. Man of the match from the right side.

 

[supercity88]

I thought that was his best performance in an England shirt for a long time. He linked up well with Bellingham and Kane, although a few touches and passes didn't quite come off. He still looks a bit nervous in an England shirt, which is natural considering the pressure on him and his age. But he worked hard, played a lovely ball through to Bellingham which led to the Rashford goal and made some good attacking runs into space as well. He's starting to look more comfortable in an England shirt.

The issue is Saka obviously nails down that right hand side, so he's either forced to the left or benched. Waistcoat will not play him in the middle.

 

[Claytop]

Could be talking bollocks (been known to happen) but he still seems a bit lightweight, I get that he'll never be big but think a bit more of a physical presence could help.

 

[iTyler]

I was at the game last night. He had a very good second half. Still England's most gifted player, even more so than Bellingham. Jude was sensational in certain moments. Though Kane was the best player on the pitch and is the best number 9 in the world currently.

For me, that front four of Bellingham, Foden, Saka and Kane is the best in the world at any level. If only we had a manager that could get the absolute most out of it. I know France still have immense quality up top but they now play a very good but old Giroud since Benzema retired, and Dembele isn't quite as good as Saka.

 

[waspish]

What everyone in the media don't see or to thick to see it is Foden has the best first touch/control than anyone in this England side! He has the quick thinking pass when it's on too! Oh he doesn't give the ball away as much as some of the other England players! Last night I've never seen him work so hard of the ball..

He has to start every game for me him and Bellingham seem to look for each other a lot too..

 

[supercity88]

Could be talking bollocks (been known to happen) but he still seems a bit lightweight, I get that he'll never be big but think a bit more of a physical presence could help.

I'd like to see him get a bit stronger on the ball. He's quick, but his close control means he's often in close contact and unless he gets stronger he's just going to get fouled or lose the ball. His close control is the best in the country, but whereas Jude can physically bully his way through to look better, Phil often loses the ball or is fouled which can take away from his ability.

The other way to go, would be learning the art of winning fouls/penalties. He tries to stay on his feet and often misses out on the decision as a result. I thought when he was wiped out in the box last night that should have been a pen, he beat the defender who doesn't have an obligation to get out of his way, but also doesn't have licence to clear you out.

 

[applejuice]

For me, that front four of Bellingham, Foden, Saka and Kane is the best in the world at any level. If only we had a manager that could get the absolute most out of it. I know France still have immense quality up top but they now play a very good but old Giroud since Benzema retired, and Dembele isn't quite as good as Saka.

I agree with most of it. But If both Saka and Foden the only two left footed right winger, we will have the same problem like the game vs France. Who to replace Saka in the 70mins? Even though Bowen and Rashford can play right, it is obviously not as good as Saka or Foden as RW.

Another problem is that we will not have a good right footed set piece taker on the pitch (if Walker starts over TAA and Tripper). And set piece is a very important part of England play. Additionally if Luke Shaw starts as LB, it will be even more weight on Rashford argument. Foden offers good crossing on the left but Shaw can as well. Rashford can provide cut in threat well neither of Foden or Shaw can.


From England perspective it makes more sense Foden or Saka for the RW. A bit competition is good.

 

[iTyler]

I agree with most of it. But If both Saka and Foden the only two left footed right winger, we will have the same problem like the game vs France. Who to replace Saka in the 70mins? Even though Bowen and Rashford can play right, it is obviously not as good as Saka or Foden as RW.

Another problem is that we will not have a good right footed set piece taker on the pitch (if Walker starts over TAA and Tripper). And set piece is a very important part of England play. Additionally if Luke Shaw starts as LB, it will be even more weight on Rashford argument. Foden offers good crossing on the left but Shaw can as well. Rashford can provide cut in threat well neither of Foden or Shaw can.


From England perspective it makes more sense Foden or Saka for the RW. A bit competition is good.

If Foden technically played on the left then you could still play him much further inside. I hate seeing him out on the wing near the touchline. You want him in and around the box as much as possible.

As for set-pieces, I would always start either Maddison or JWP who are both set piece specialists. Against sides you want a bit more control and more protection for the defence I would play Ward-Prowse alongside Rice with Bellingham free to roam. Against lesser sides then you can play Rice as a lone anchor player and play both Maddison and Bellingham as attacking midfielders. Against better sides your midfield would be exposed but against lesser opposition you could get away with it.

Some people seem to think that JWP is only good for set-pieces but he's also a very tidy player that's technically sound and covers a lot of grass.