In the upcoming Champions League match against Young Boys, Phil Foden has a promising chance to score in his third consecutive game. This opportunity could play a significant role in Manchester City’s advancement to the last 16 of the competition. As the group stage’s final matches approach, it also presents an ideal time for Pep Guardiola to rotate the squad, thereby reducing the strain on a tight roster, especially with the demanding Christmas schedule looming.
However, a sudden twist in the situation emerged with the injury of Erling Haaland. The star striker had to leave the field at half-time during City’s commanding 6-1 victory over Bournemouth, casting doubt on his availability for the midweek clash. Guardiola mentioned that Haaland’s return remains uncertain, and he might be back either on Tuesday or the following Sunday, depending on the injury’s severity.
Considering the fact that their opponents, Young Boys, are the lowest-ranked team in the group, and the challenging fixtures that lie ahead against formidable teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, Guardiola is likely to exercise caution with Haaland’s recovery.
If Haaland is indeed sidelined, the central striker position may be filled by Julian Alvarez, a role he naturally occupies. This, in turn, would open up the attacking midfield position, a role that Kevin De Bruyne has been embracing in his absence.
In this scenario, Phil Foden emerges as the prime candidate to assume the attacking midfield role. Guardiola has already hinted at Foden’s suitability for this role when he briefly operated as a No. 10 after replacing Haaland in the game against Bournemouth.
Foden’s proficiency in this role aligns with his preference and his development as a No. 10 maestro throughout his career. He has already demonstrated his ability to excel in this position earlier in the season, notably in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle.
While Foden’s opportunities to play in this role for the English national team might be limited due to Jude Bellingham’s impressive form, he has a valuable chance to shine at Manchester City.
With De Bruyne’s injury and Alvarez’s need for rest in mind, Foden might well be selected for the upcoming match against Young Boys. This presents a golden opportunity for Foden to showcase his versatility and talent as a potential successor to De Bruyne in the No. 10 role.
