FODEN: FALSE NINE , TRUE BLUE CLASS
PHIL FODEN is proving he is the real deal as Manchester City’s false nine ahead of tomorrow’s Manchester derby.
While the debate continues over whether City need a striker because of their failure to sign Harry Kane, Foden has quietly filled in up front.
His predatory opener in the 4-1 midweek Champions League win over Bruges (celebrating, above) was his fifth of the season and he also has four assists.
Pep Guardiola trusts Foden to lead his attack at just 21 because he knows the England playmaker is smart enough to be able to adapt and he has rewarded him with some big goals recently.
His precise finish at Anfield helped City come from behind and earn a draw against Liverpool, while his quickfire double at the Amex two weeks ago finished off Brighton.
Foden is revelling in his new role and his extra goalscoring responsibility. “I’m enjoying it,” he said after the Bruges win.
“It’s a new role for me. It’s important to score goals being the striker so I’m happy to get on the scoresheet. It’s good for the confidence.
“It was about bouncing back from the two defeats that we’ve just had so I’m delighted with the win as well.”
Foden has started eight of City’s last 10 games and is almost certain to face Manchester United tomorrow.
Yet he is quick to shoot down any suggestion he has become an automatic choice under Guardiola.
“No, not at all,” he said. “I know how strong the team is and how many quality players we have so it’s down to the manger who he chooses.
“I’m just going to keep training hard and hopefully get on the teamsheet.”
Foden has known how big the derby is since he started supporting City as a kid growing up in Stockport at the start of the millennium. “Yeah, it definitely means more,” he said. “Growing up, being a fan, I know what it means, so it’s going to be special to play in the derby.”
Foden claims City go into the 186th derby confident after ending their two-game losing run against Bruges to leave them just a point away from qualifying for the Champions League last 16.
He is wary of United, despite their erratic form, and knows Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be fired up.
“We needed to bounce back from our previous defeats, so winning is going to give us confidence,” he said.
“We’re ready to play United whenever.
“It’s going to be a difficult game because we know how hard it is at their stadium with their fans, but we’re feeling confident.
“They’ve had two good results recently so they’ll be full of confidence as well.
“It’s going to be a really challenging game and I’m looking forward to it.”