Guardiola says Foden ‘special’ in a central position | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has said Phil Foden is ‘special’ in a central position after the Manchester City midfielder scored a hat-trick in the club’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Foden ensured Manchester City applied pressure on the teams above in the title race with a fantastic individual performance at the Etihad, scoring his second treble of the Premier League campaign.

After goals from Rodri and Jhon Duran left the teams level at the Etihad, Foden fired the Citizens in front with a free-kick that squeezed through a poor Aston Villa wall.

The 23-year-old swept in a second off the far post for his 20th goal of the campaign in all competitions, before completing his hat-trick with a stunning hit into the top corner.

Foden has produced some of the best football of his career in a central positions this season, though is expected to have to settle for a wide role with England at Euro 2024 this summer, with Jude Bellingham at number ten for the Three Lions.

However, Guardiola believes a central position brings the best from Foden, who he says ‘has an incredible sense of goal’.

“What can I say, he scored three goals?” Guardiola said at his post-match press conference.

“He didn’t start well. The goal helped him a lot for the mood in the second half.

“When he plays in a central position he has a sense of goal.

“Everyone has their own skills and talents and Phil has assists and goals in that position. He proved it again.

“He can do whatever he wants. He’s a really top class player.

“He is open minded. He has to understand the game. He has to focus in some things.

“Sometimes he is a little bit distracted in what he has to do defensively but he has a natural talent. A gift.

“He is special for the pace and work ethic. He has an incredible sense of goal.

“You have the feeling when he is attacking the last line that he is going to score.

“It’s not easy to find it and that’s why he is so special in those central positions.”

Read – Guardiola expects title race to go down to the wire

See more – Remembering the three-way Premier League title races

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